Azerbaijan, Baku, July 24 / Trend M. Aliyev /
The first group of 32 Azerbaijani sportsmen has left for the London 2012 Olympics today. Members of the Azerbaijani official delegation, head coaches and doctors accompany the sportsmen.
The second group will leave for London on August 4, spokesperson for the Ministry of Youth and Sports Samaya Mammadova said.
She said that the Azerbaijani flag will be raised at the Olympic Games athletes village and the country will be greeted on July 25.
London 2012 Olympics will officially start on July 27. Azerbaijan's event will be held in London on July 28. Video clips dedicated to national cuisine will be demonstrated. Opera, jazz and mugham singers will perform during the event.
Olympic champion, judoka Elnur Mammadli will carry the flag of Azerbaijani team at the opening ceremony of the games.
Azerbaijan's Olympic Team will participate in the extended format. It will be represented by 53 athletes in 16 different sports, 41 of whom will participate in the Olympic Games for the first time. The Azerbaijani team, along with the athletes, includes six doctors and 29 coaches.
In general, Azerbaijani sportsmen for the first time during the years of independence will take part in five new types of sports - canoeing, rowing, cycling, gymnastics and fencing at the London Summer Olympics.