Olympic medalist apologizes to Azerbaijani president, people

Azerbaijani freestyle wrestler Magomedkhan Magomedov, who won a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics in France, has apologized to President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan for some of his statements in an interview with Russian media.

In a statement for Report, Magomedov emphasized that the order presented by the president of Azerbaijan is of great value to him.

"I have been representing Azerbaijan since 2022 and am grateful to the president of the country, the leadership of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation and everyone who created conditions for me. I am proud to represent this country. Under the flag of Azerbaijan, I became the European Champion, a prize winner of the World Championship and the Olympic Games. My statements in an interview with the Russian media were the result of a misunderstanding. The order presented to me by the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan is very valuable to me, and there can be no talk of any disrespect. I apologize to President Ilham Aliyev and to all the people of Azerbaijan," the Olympic medalist noted.

Magomedkhan Magomedov won a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris in the 97 kg weight category. By decree of President Ilham Aliyev, Magomedov was awarded the Order "For Service to the Fatherland" of the 3rd degree.