Farid Gayibov: Sports competition geography expanding across liberated territories

The geography of sports competitions in Azerbaijan's liberated territories is expanding every year, Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov said at the opening ceremony of the Mingachevir Regatta 2026 international tournament.

According to Report, Gayibov said the competition, being held for the third time, has become a tradition.

"The Mingachevir Regatta is held annually and is another sporting celebration in Azerbaijan's liberated territories. All areas, including sports, are being developed on the instructions of the head of state. New sports sections are being opened in various cities of Karabakh, and both national and international competitions are being held," the minister said.

He noted that athletes from 12 countries are already participating in the tournament and expressed hope that European and world championships could also be held in the liberated territories and Mingachevir in the future.

Gayibov also spoke about efforts to develop sports infrastructure in the liberated territories.

"A sports hall will be built in Fuzuli, a stadium in Aghdam, while the construction of sports halls is also planned in other regions. As these facilities are commissioned, the geography of competitions held here will expand even further," he said.

More than 100 young rowers from Azerbaijan, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Ukraine and Uzbekistan are participating in the Mingachevir Regatta 2026 international tournament.