A solemn opening ceremony of the World Military Football Cup 2013 has today been held at Dalga-Arena stadium in Baku.
Azerbaijani ministers of Defense and Youth and Sports, as well as delegates from the Azerbaijani National Olympic Committee, International Military Sports Council (CISM), FIFA, AFFA, and representatives of contestant countries participated in the opening event.
The ceremony started with the presentation of the national teams which would contest medals at the World Military Football Cup.
This followed by a ceremony to raise Azerbaijan’s and International Military Sports Council’s flags.
Defence Minister Safar Abiyev and Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov addressed the event. They hailed the tournament, saying such events play a crucial role in bringing nations and people closer to each other.
President of CISM Hamad Kalkaba thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his support of the organization of the world cup.
The first match of the tournament will pit Azerbaijan against Mali.