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A friendly match between Azerbaijani and French wrestlers took place in the Winter Circus of Paris, December 4. Azerbaijan’s First Lady, Chairperson of the first European Games Organizing Committee, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva was among those watching the match.

French State Secretary for Sports Thierry Bayard, President of the International Wrestling Federation Nenad Lalovich, members of the French government and parliament, as well as representatives of sports society watched the match.

At the inauguration of the friendly match called Olympic test tournament, the State Dance Ensemble of Azerbaijan performed with an exemplary programme.

Then onlookers were shown a documentary about Azerbaijan’s sport achievements, and the progress of preparations for the first European Games.

At the match watched by some 1600 onlookers, competitions were held on 10 weight categories for free-style and women wrestling types. The Azerbaijani team won its competitor with the score 9 to 1.

After the match came to an end, a dinner-party was organized on the occasion of the friendly match. Speaking at the dinner-party, President of the French Wrestling Federation Alain Bertholom thanked Mehriban Aliyeva for attending the ceremony and the support she provided for the organization of the event. He expressed  confidence that the wrestling sports type will be represented on the highest level at the upcoming first European Games.

A documentary about the development of sports, wrestling in particular, in Azerbaijan was shown at the ceremony.

At the end of the ceremony, a protocol of cooperation was signed between the International Wrestling Federation and “ATA Holding” OJSC.

Azerbaijani masters of art performed with a concert programme at the ceremony.