Farid Mansurov touched upon the issue of athletes' military service and participation in international competitions

Participation in the World and European Championships is also a service to the homeland.

Idman.Biz reports with reference to report.az that this was stated by Farid Mansurov, Vice-President of the National Olympic Committee.

The Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling made an interesting proposal at the meeting of the Youth and Sports Committee of the Milli Majlis with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee and sports federations.

He said that he wanted to bring a problem to attention on behalf of the federations:

"From the age of 17, after graduating from school, our athletes who are admitted to the university continue their education. Those who are not admitted to higher education institutions go to military service. Participation in the World and European Championships is also a service to the Motherland. If we take this into account, in this case we lose athletes at that age. One athlete participates in the World and European Championships in each weight category. If that athlete achieves a result, he is admitted to the Azerbaijan Sports Academy. Others remain outside. When an athlete serves in the military for 1 year and 6 months, we lose him. In this case, competition in professional sports is lost, there is no continuation, and federations that produce results are forced to invite legionnaire athletes in a certain weight category. It would be good if this issue was regulated by law, if negotiations were held with relevant government agencies, and if it was possible to implement any criteria."