“Today, Azerbaijan is recognized as a sports country in the world. Of course, this is the result of Heydar Aliyev’s policy.”
These words Publika.az-a Zemfira Meftahatdinova, one of the legends of Azerbaijani sports, said in an interview. Meftahatdinova, who is a European, world and Olympic champion as a bench shooter, and currently works as the vice-president of the Azerbaijan Shooting Federation, said that Heydar Aliyev is the founder of the success of Azerbaijani sports:
“In the 1990s, the situation in the country was difficult. The same situation prevailed in sports. Sportsmen and coaches left Azerbaijan and represented other countries. But after Heydar Aliyev returned to power, a big change took place. All conditions were created for athletes. Our experts were returning to the country. Every year, the Great Leader held meetings with successful athletes and gave them awards. This created a great incentive for athletes. As an independent country, Azerbaijan began to be represented in international competitions. When I became the European champion in 1993, I represented independent Azerbaijan. At the competition in the Czech Republic, our flag was raised and our anthem was played. Other athletes also had their say in international arenas. This process continues now. Prestigious, big competitions are already held in our country. This is the result of the correct policy established many years ago. Therefore, we are all indebted to our Great Leader.”
Zemfira Meftahatdinova said that she was proud to be awarded the Order of Glory by Heydar Aliyev:
“From 1993 to 2004, I was a European, world, Olympic champion, and an Olympic prize-winner. The 2000 Sydney Olympics was the biggest competition I’ve ever attended. The result there was the biggest success of my career. When we returned from the Olympics, we received a lavish welcome. Later, Heydar Aliyev had a meeting with us. He awarded the athletes. In 1995, the Great Leader honored me with the “Progress” medal. In 2000 – after the success in Sydney, he was awarded the Order of Fame. It was an honor for me. Every athlete would like to take such an award from him. I am glad that I was lucky. Later, President Ilham Aliyev awarded me the “Progress” medal for winning a bronze medal at the Athens Olympic Games. After Heydar Aliyev, it was a proud feeling to receive a medal from the hands of Ilham Aliyev.”
The veteran athlete also shared his memories of Heydar Aliyev. He said that the Ulu Onder showed a kind attitude towards the athletes.
“We have met with Heydar Aliyev several times. We met with him before or after the competitions, at the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Complexes, at events. His blessing was very important to us. Heydar Aliyev’s words gave us confidence and strength. I have given her flowers several times during meetings. I was honored to meet such a person. I still feel the same way. His pleasant look, approach, and warmth were very familiar to us. We were naturally excited when we met such a person. When Heydar Aliyev felt this, he created conditions for us to be sincere and comfortable.”
