Baku, Azerbaijan, July 25
By Ilhama Isabalayeva – Trend:
It is not right to put psychological pressure on athletes over doping, said Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov.
It is important to control how the sports facilities, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Olympic Committee test the athletes and organize this work, the minister told reporters July 25.
Rahimov expressed concern that doping can be used in the future as a tool or as a means in politics and other issues.
The minister pointed out that all the athletes who will participate in the 31st Summer Olympic Games and 15th Summer Paralympic Games have passed the doping control.
“All the analyses have passed the WADA doping test. Last time, the blood tests of boxers were checked and received at Cologne laboratory,” said Rahimov.
The minister added that there is no concern over the security of the athletes.
“The only concern is related to tourists. They will be warned of avoiding the places which are not fully controlled by the police,” said Rahimov, adding that part of the team will return to the homeland on Aug.12-15.
Azerbaijani team will be represented at 31st Summer Olympic Games and 15th Summer Paralympic Games in Rio with 56 athletes in 18 sports.
Thirty-six of 56 athletes, who will represent Azerbaijan in Rio, will participate in Olympic Games for the first time.
During the Olympiad, the Azerbaijani team will be accompanied by 34 coaches, six doctors, physiotherapists and technicians. Azerbaijan’s sports delegation will leave for Rio Aug.1 and will return to the homeland Aug.22. The 31st Summer Olympic Games will be held in Rio on Aug.5-21, while the 15th Summer Paralympic Games will take place on Sept.7-18.