The flag of the independent Azerbaijan was waved 18 times in Rio, and taking into consideration that we will mark the 25th anniversary of restoration of independence of the country after a month, it is a wonderful gift from Azerbaijani sportsmen, said President of Azerbaijan, President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev at a meeting with athletes who competed in the 31st Summer Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their coaches.

The Head of State noted that Azerbaijani team won the grand and historic victory in the Olympic Games in Rio. "Once again, I congratulate our athletes and Azerbaijani people on this victory. It is really an historic victory. Azerbaijani athletes won 18 medals in the Olympic Games in Rio. This is a record number. One of them is gold, seven are silver and 10 are bronze medals. It shows that Azerbaijan is a sports nation. I have repeatedly said this, I want to say once again. The life and the results of our athletes once again prove it. By the number of medals, Azerbaijani team shares 14-15 places. Among the countries of Europe, Azerbaijan is on the seventh, among the former Soviet republics is the second, and among Muslim countries is in the first place,” said the President of Azerbaijan.

"You have pleased the people of Azerbaijan. The flag of the independent Azerbaijan was waved 18 times in Rio. In particular, if we consider that in a month we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of restoration of independence of the country, it is a wonderful gift from Azerbaijani sportsmen.” said the Head of State.