Azerbaijan national karate team are back home from the 3rd Islamic Solidarity Games in capital Palembang of South Sumatra of Indonesia. The squad, including Gabala”s karateists Rafael Aghayev and Rafiz Hasanov, were passionately welcomed by karate fans at the Heydar Aliyev Airport of Baku. There were some many young sportsmen and fans of Gabala on different fields of sporting amongst the greeters. They congratulated the national team with flowers and taking photos. Right after the welcome, briefing was organized for mass media at the airport. Gabala”s Rafael Aghayev, earning 2 golds (both in individual and team matches) shared his impression on the tournament:

"We well prepared to the Islamic matches because we knew it would be a tough fight.

Now thanks to God that we were able to gain 3 golds and 2 silvers. It was really remarkable experience for me. I was the youngest sportsman 8 years ago when it was my first experience with the provisional team. Now I left to the tournament as the best experienced fighter of the team. It is gratifying me to be the favorite on my weight. I am happy to be well responding to the hopes. The team matches also were of interest and hard. In the final, we defeated Iran that is one of the strongest teams of the world. Bizə dəstək verən hər kəsə təşəkkür edirik".

Another Gabala hero other than Rafael is Rafiz Hasanov talks:

"We are very happy returning back home with medals that we deserve. Now we are expected by the World and Europe cups in 2014 before the European Olympic Games to come in 2015. We aim to well prepare for those matches and to get the foothold at the top stages”.