FIRST TIME IN GARABAGH

Azerbaijan Canoeing and Rowing Federation (ACRF) organised the first international competition in Garabagh. International regatta President's Cup-2022 dedicated to the 99th anniversary of the national leader Heydar Aliyev was held on May 6-7, 2022. The competition was significant because it was for the first time held in the territories liberated from the Armenian occupation. 

100 of five

The first day of the tournament attended by over 100 competitors from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Turkey and Uzbekistan saw a parade of national teams in the city of Mingachevir. But the official opening ceremony of the President's Cup 2022 regatta and the first competition kicked off in the village of Sugovushan, which was liberated during the 44-day Patriotic War. Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Garabagh Economic Region (except Shusha) Emin Huseynov, Youth and Sports Minister Farid Gayibov, ACRF President Vugar Ahmedov, Board Member of the Turkish Rowing Federation Bulent Eren and President of the Georgian Canoe and Rowing Federation Zaza Nadiradze addressed the opening ceremony. They emphasized the significance of the event symbolizing the great return to Garabagh of the first sports event, and President Ilham Aliyev's attention to sports and athletes. The event was followed with performances by artists and a stunning water show following the national anthem of Azerbaijan performed by the Military Band of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan.

On the first day of the regatta, athletes competed in kayaking and canoeing at the Sugovushan Reservoir. The Azerbaijani team won 7 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze medals in the competition held in five age categories.

On the second day, athletes competed in rowing at the Kur Olympic Training and Sports Centre in Mingachevir. The Azerbaijani team won 2 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze medals in three age categories.

In the rowing team competition, Azerbaijani athletes became the first, while the canoeing competition was won by athletes from Turkey. Winners were awarded cups. The Azerbaijani national team had 9 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals in the overall standings.

The closing ceremony of the President's Cup 2022 regatta was very interesting. At the event organised at the Kur Olympic Training Centre, there was an insteresting video demonstration about the life and work of the national leader accompanied by a water show with 3D effects. This was followed by a majestic fly-boarding performance met with great interest by the residents of the city, after which the athletes launched balloons into the sky.

Sport events to cover liberated land

Minister Farid Gayibov said the tournament was organised in a shortest possible period and emphasised its great importance: "President's Cup 2022 is the first competition organised in Garabagh. Therefore, as a minister, I am very happy to be here on this day. This very important tournament was organised by the partners and volunteers at the highest level. I congratulate all the sports community of Azerbaijan. Today we are here thanks to the liberation of our lands from occupation, as a result of the victory achieved by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev and the valiant Army of Azerbaijan.

Only teams from five countries (Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Moldova and Turkey) were represented in the tournament. According to Mr. Gayibov, this was due to the short period the organisers had. He expressed confidence that the number of participating teams would increase in the future.

Mr. Gayibov said that he was discussing with the Azerbaijan Rowing and Canoe Federation the holding of tournaments in other liberated territories as well: "We have discussed it together with the federation. Some work is already underway.”

Strengthening friendships and improving experiences

In his interview with R+, Zaza Nadiradze, President of the Georgian Canoeing and Rowing Federation, noted the significance of the competition: "We regularly join the tournaments in Azerbaijan. This one was very important because it was organised on the liberated lands of Azerbaijan. We are happy to participate in them. I was aware of the long occupation of Azerbaijani lands. Our national team is small. But the main thing is to strengthen friendly ties. I believe that our close friendship will continue to develop in the future.”

Head coach of the Georgian rowing team Kakhaber Ilkhanishvili said the number of participants in the next competitions will increase: "Next year we will take part in the competition with the expanded team and with more strong athletes. I hope they will be among winners. This competition is of great importance to raise the level of professionalism of athletes and to gain experience."

The Azerbaijan Rowing and Canoeing Federation intends to hold another international tournament in Azerbaijan in autumn 2022. In the coming months, next competitions will also be held on the liberated lands.