FIRST FINISH LINE

The Shahdagh Resort recently hosted the World Ski Mountaineering Championship. Athletes from 26 countries participated in the event, including Azerbaijani competitors Nazrin Garibova and Seyid Sadraddinov. Over the course of three days, participants competed in sprint, vertical, and individual races.

The World Cup, organised jointly by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF), the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, and the Shahdagh Tourism Centre, serves as a qualifying event for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Top athletes from across the continent are making every effort to showcase their skills and secure a spot at the Winter Games.

Championship Results

Next year, ski mountaineering will be included in the Winter Olympics program for the first time. This is why the ISMF is organizing qualifying competitions in several countries.

Among the women, Axelle Gachet-Mollaret of France claimed the title, while Rémi Bonnet of Switzerland took first place in the men’s category. Following the three-day competition, ISMF Secretary General Jordi Canals praised Azerbaijans preparatory work in organizing the World Cup and supporting the development of the sport.

Florian Zengstschmid, Vice President of the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, noted that the federation became a member of the ISMF in October 2022 and has successfully hosted international competitions since last year. He believes that the newly established ski mountaineering coaching department at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Education and Sports will play a significant role in the future development of the sport.

Rustam Najafov, Chairman of the Shahdagh Tourism Centre, emphasized that hosting the World Cup is a milestone in the countrys sports history. "These competitions not only showcase the skill and determination of the athletes but also promote the values of friendship and solidarity, bringing them together," he said.

Snowboarding for All

Following the World Ski Mountaineering Championship, another tournament took place in Gusar. Organised jointly by the Shahdagh Tourism Center and the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, the Heydar Aliyev Cup in snowboarding brought together children and adults of various age groups. Approximately 40 snowboarders participated in the event.

In the boys 9-12 age group, Kamal Bashirli took first place, followed by Daniel Belousov in second and Metin Mehdi in third. In the 13-17 age group, Alisa Garifova won among the girls, while Daniil Omelyanyuk claimed victory among the boys. In the 18-22 age group, Nuran Musayeva emerged as the top female competitor. Among women aged 23-45, Yevgeniya Javadova took first place, with Jamila Mammadova in second. Among men in the same age group, Edik Murtuzayev secured first place, Rasul Aslanov came in second, and Igor Kulakov took third. In the 46-56 age group, Irina Garifova won among the women, while Aydar Garifov and Jeyhun Vazirov claimed first and second places, respectively, among the men. Azad Kelbiyev was the winner in the veteran snowboarders category.

The winners were awarded medals, certificates from the Shahdagh Tourism Center, and various incentive prizes.

Amirsoy to Unite Turkic-Speaking Athletes

Interestingly, during the competitions in Gusar, a decision was made to organise ski races for Turkic-speaking nations. From February 17 to 20, the Amirsoy Mountain Resort in Uzbekistan will host the Turkic-Speaking Nations Ski Cup, supported by the Organization of Turkic States and the Union of Turkic-Speaking Nations Ski Resorts.

The primary goal of the event is to foster sports ties among Turkic-speaking countries, expand collaborative efforts and friendly relations, and increase interest in winter sports.

A Chance for New Competitions

The successful organization of the Ski Mountaineering World Cup in Shahdagh paves the way for Azerbaijan to host future competitions in this sport. ISMF Secretary General Jordi Canals commented, "Our ski mountaineering community is thrilled to discover Shahdagh. Its a beautiful location with excellent conditions. Everything has been organised to the highest standard. There is great potential for hosting high-level competitions here, and I am confident that Shahdagh will host many major events in the future. For athletes, this is the first stop of the season and the beginning of Olympic qualification. In ski mountaineering, there are already well-established venues, such as Courchevel in the French Alps. However, Shahdagh has the potential to earn its place among them. It could host World and European Championships."

Gunel Badalova, Secretary General of the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, revealed that negotiations are underway to organise additional international competitions: "We have opened the international season in Shahdagh. Hosting the Ski Mountaineering World Cup is of great significance. Foreign athletes observed the conditions at Shahdagh and were satisfied. Ski mountaineering has already been included in the Olympic program, so these competitions have the potential to become a tradition. We are delighted that Shahdagh has become part of the international calendar. There is also the possibility of applying to host the European Championships in Shahdagh in the coming years."

It is worth noting that while winter sports are highly popular in Azerbaijan, this marks the first time international competitions in ski mountaineering have been organised in the country. The newly established federation is now focused on building a strong cohort of national athletes in winter sports.