THE RENAISSANCE REGATTA

From 28 April to 1 May, Azerbaijan played host to an international rowing regatta dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of the birth of the country's national leader, Heydar Aliyev. The 'Presidential Cup 2026' tournament saw over 100 athletes compete, with the event itself being hosted in the liberated territories of Garabagh (Sarsang and Sugovushan), as well as in Mingachevir.

A symbol of Garabagh’s revival

The significance of the international tournament was the emergence of a new destination on the world sporting map. The Sarsang Reservoir played host to an international-level competition for the first time. The regatta in Sarsang and Sugovushan proved to be a successful event, not only in terms of the sporting competition, but also in terms of promoting the infrastructure and geography of water sports in Azerbaijan.

The tournament commenced in the historic Agderin district on the Sarsang Reservoir. Hosting a competition of this calibre here demonstrated the region's potential and brought the area to the attention of the international media.

The competitions in Sugovushan became a symbol of Garabagh's revival and an important strategic step in shaping the region's sporting traditions. The regatta saw the participation of elite young rowers from almost 20 countries.

Nine medals

The athletes competed in rowing, as well as in canoe and kayak disciplines over distances of 200, 500, 1,000 and 1,500 metres. The Georgian team demonstrated clear dominance in the team events, securing victories in both rowing and canoeing.

Azerbaijan's representatives concluded the tournament with an impressive haul of nine medals, including two gold, three silver, and four bronze. Alimurad Hajizade was the first to win a medal, taking silver in the 500-metre single kayak event for athletes born in 2008–2009. In the 1,500-metre single sculls event for athletes of the same age group, Azer Ilyasov secured the gold medal.

The duo of Mustafa Velizade and Elmir Tarverdiyev secured third place in the 500-metre double kayak event, competing in the 2010–2011 age category. Niyaz Melikov and Ivan Vorobyansky secured another bronze medal in the 1000m double kayak event, competing in the 2008–2009 age category.

On the final day of the competition, Azerbaijani athletes added a further four medals to their tally. In the 200m double kayak event, the duo of Tengiz Gagnidze and Giyas Ahmadov (born 2008–2009) secured the gold medal, while Niyaz Melikov and Ivan Vorobyansky finished second.

Sanan Jafarzade and Tahir Movsumov (born 2010–2011) achieved third place in the 1000m double kayak event. Azer Ilyasov and Tunar Mammadzade secured another bronze medal in the 1500m double sculls.

Sarsang as a tourist and sporting destination

The Presidential Cup 2026 marked an important step towards transforming the Sarsang Reservoir not only into an economic and agricultural hub, but also into a globally significant tourist and sporting destination.

Hosting water sports competitions of this calibre in Sarsang (rowing, kayaking, canoeing, dragon boat racing and sailing) is of great importance for the region’s development. This event has provided a significant impetus for transforming the liberated territories into a centre for international sports tourism, strengthening the image of security and developing the local economy.

During the tournament, athletes and delegations from the participating countries were introduced to the culture of Garabagh, its national music and traditions. The regatta will also help to increase local young people’s interest in rowing and water sports, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The Presidential Cup is planned to be held in subsequent years as well. Negotiations are underway to increase the number of participating countries.