On 16 October, a gala evening was held to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the National Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

At the event, an address by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the staff of the Committee and Paralympians on the occasion of the Committee’s 30th anniversary was read out.

The address was delivered by Anar Aliyev, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In the address, the head of state congratulated participants in the Paralympic movement on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the National Paralympic Committee. It was noted that the establishment of the National Paralympic Committee in February 1996, on the initiative of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, laid the foundation for the systematic development of the Paralympic movement in Azerbaijan.

It was emphasized that strengthening the social protection of persons with disabilities and the continuous development of sports infrastructure have created favourable conditions for the annual growth of our Paralympians’ achievements. Over the years, our athletes have secured numerous victories at the Paralympic Games and at World and European Championships. It was noted that every medal they win brings joy to the Azerbaijani people and once again proves that disability is not an obstacle to participating in sports.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his confidence that the National Paralympic Committee would continue to make a significant contribution to the development of the Paralympic movement and to raising our State Flag.

It should be noted that the anniversary event was attended by representatives of the state and government, senior officials of international sports organizations, representatives of national Paralympic committees from foreign countries, renowned athletes and others. Participants viewed a photo exhibition showcasing the achievements of Azerbaijani Paralympians, and a special postage stamp issued by “Azerpost” to mark the Committee’s 30th anniversary was presented.

A congratulatory letter sent by Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, on the occasion of the anniversary was read out by Leila Marques Mota, First Vice-President of the Committee.

Hidayat Abdullayev, President of the National Paralympic Committee, stated that the special attention and care shown by National Leader Heydar Aliyev towards the Paralympic movement are being successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev. He emphasized that the Order signed by the head of state on 16 October 2026 awarding the “Progress” Medal to another group of Paralympians was a further manifestation of this support.

He also highlighted the humanitarian and benevolent projects and initiatives of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and children. It was noted that over the past 30 years, the Azerbaijani Paralympic movement has made significant progress, with our athletes participating in nine Paralympic Games and winning a total of 68 medals: 27 gold, 21 silver and 20 bronze.

Ilham Zakiyev, a two-time Paralympic champion, expressed his appreciation for the state support provided to Azerbaijani Paralympians and noted that our athletes were determined to achieve further victories in the period ahead.

The National Paralympic Committee presented letters of appreciation to Leila Marques Mota, First Vice-President of the International Paralympic Committee; Raymond Blondel, President of the European Paralympic Committee; and senior officials of the national Paralympic committees of Türkiye, Russia, Hungary, Belarus, Portugal and Spain, in recognition of their contributions to the development of the Paralympic movement and the strengthening of international cooperation.

The event continued with an artistic programme performed by beneficiaries with disabilities and instructors of the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity.