President of the Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva acquainted themselves with the given exhibitions.

Azad Rahimov, the Minister of Youth and Sports of the Azerbaijan Republic, informed the head of the country and his spouse that International Sport, Sports Equipment and Wear Exhibition held in the Azerbaijan for the first time, was an evidence of attention paid to the development of sports in the country. One of the main goals of the exhibition is to attract investments into large infrastructural projects in this field. Announcement of 2012 as the sports year in Azerbaijan, high achievements of Azerbaijani sportsmen at London Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games are also among the important factors increasing significance of the exhibition. Sport, Sports Equipment and Wear Exhibition held under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth and Sports gathered 50 exhibitors, including sports Federations and clubs of Azerbaijan, local and international sporting goods and services, as well as social youth organizations on its ground. The exhibition reflecting sports industry in Azerbaijan, demonstrates vast informational background concerning the activity of sports teams, clubs and Federations.

President Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva acquainted themselves with several stands of the exhibition hall.

Seeing round one of the most attended stands at the exhibition – the stand of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation, the head of state was informed that this organization had achieved great successes for the last years. The Federation, comprising 4 gymnastics disciplines, has organized a number of international events including European and World Championships, Azerbaijani sportsmen have achieved high results for the last ten years. President Ilham Aliyev also displayed interest in work progress of the construction of the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku and wished successes in its further activity.