"It is commendable that our state gives athletes a chance in public activity. We will work hard to justify this trust."
These words were said by Azerbaijani weightlifter Dadash Dadashbayli while talking about being selected as a sports ambassador for 2026.
The athlete, who has been a European champion, world runner-up and third-place winner, said that being selected as a sports ambassador for the second time is a great source of joy and pride for him.
"This is a joyful event that I cannot express in words. First of all, I express my deep gratitude to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the attention, care and trust shown to me. It is very valuable for me to be given a second chance and trust for this position. I would also like to emphasize the support of the Azerbaijan Weightlifting Federation in this election. They nominated me for the second time. This creates additional responsibility for me," he said in a statement to AZERTAC.
He stated that his main goal as a sports ambassador is to further expand the promotion of sports in the country: "As an athlete, I have achieved certain successes. However, it is especially gratifying that our state involves us in such active public works. I will do my best in this position to further increase interest in sports and motivate our youth."
According to the athlete, working with young people and being an example for them is one of the main priorities: "We will try to inform young people about the work we have done and the results we have achieved. I believe that they will achieve even greater success in the future."
It should be noted that at the board meeting of the Ministry of Youth and Sports held yesterday, along with Dadash Dadashbayli, Ulviyya Fataliyeva (chess), Aynur Yusifova (gymnastics), Vafa Musayeva (mountaineering) and Elchin Asadov (cycling) were selected as "Sports Ambassadors" for 2026.