“The final month of spring saw sports achievements continue to grow at an accelerating pace. Youth-related activities were also quite extensive. Throughout the month, various regions across the country hosted both international and national-level sporting events, alongside projects and social initiatives aimed at engaging young people.”
This was stated by Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov while evaluating May, Idman.biz reports.
In the 45th edition of his monthly address, “The Minister’s Point of View,” Gayibov highlighted the conclusion of the latest inter-agency mini football tournament dedicated to the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev:
“This was the third edition of the tournament, and the Ministry of Justice secured the championship for the second consecutive time. The State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons finished second, while the Ministry of Internal Affairs claimed third place once again. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the winners and express my gratitude to all participating state institutions for their enthusiasm. This now-traditional event not only strengthens inter-agency cooperation but also promotes a healthy lifestyle.”
He also noted that regional citizen meetings were held in the cities of Yevlakh and Mingachevir. “My meetings with athletes who have successfully represented Azerbaijan in international competitions also continued in May. During these gatherings, athletes shared stories of their achievements,” the Minister added.
Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov has highlighted the significance of May not only in terms of sporting achievements but also for the preservation and enrichment of traditional events.
The Minister noted that May was filled with meaningful traditions:
"One of the most prominent traditional mass sporting events was the Baku Marathon. Organized under the slogan Conquer the Wind by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, this marathon was once again a great success. Events such as the cycling tour in Baku and a running event in Gusar, held in honor of Independence Day, are clear indicators of the public’s growing commitment to a healthy lifestyle. These mass events not only promote wide participation but also contribute significantly to the popularization of sports."
He also praised the success of national sports federations, noting:
"We were pleased by the development and accomplishments of various federations. The Azerbaijan Badminton Federation was honored with the ‘BWF Inclusive 2025’ award by the World Badminton Federation—an indication of its valued international efforts. Meanwhile, new leadership has been elected in several federations: Zaur Akhundov as president of the Cycling Federation, Fuad Baghirov for the Motorcycle Sports Federation, and Mahir Mammadov re-elected as president of the Chess Federation. I extend my best wishes to all three and trust they will lead their respective sports to new heights."
Gayibov also shared details of his international engagements:
"During the fifth official session of the COP9 Bureau at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, I met with representatives of the Central and Eastern European group in my capacity as vice-president of the body. Azerbaijan’s active participation on this important platform once again demonstrated our country’s commitment to the fight against doping in sports. I also had a productive meeting with Slovakia’s State Secretary for Sport, Ivana Šufliarská Libiaková, to discuss future collaborative projects. Further discussions were held with Matthias Gerz, Chair of the European Regional Scout Committee of DSHT, and leaders of the World Scout Bureau, focusing on strengthening the scouting movement in Azerbaijan and expanding international cooperation."
In the context of bilateral relations, Gayibov stated:
"We hosted a delegation from the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports as part of experience-sharing efforts in the youth and sports sectors. These regular bilateral engagements continue to reinforce our close cooperation with the brotherly nation."
The Minister also emphasized the significance of ongoing coordination with national federations:
"At my 20th meeting with representatives of sports federations, we discussed recent developments, upcoming responsibilities, preparations for the 3rd CIS Games, and other matters. Such meetings are vital for reinforcing cooperation and establishing a unified approach to sports development."
Gayibov concluded with a tribute to a national milestone:
"It was a moment of immense pride when Azerbaijan Television's ‘Television Chess Club’ entered the Guinness World Records as the longest-running sports show in the world. Authored and hosted by Faig Hasanov, this program, which ran for 55 years and 277 days, made an invaluable contribution to the promotion and development of chess in our country. I sincerely congratulate Faig Hasanov, the chess community, and AZTV on this remarkable achievement."
Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Qayibov has emphasized that alongside national and international achievements, infrastructure development in Azerbaijan’s regions remains a top priority.
“Efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure across the regions are ongoing. This time, I participated in the opening of a newly commissioned judo hall at the Qakh City Stadium. We also reviewed the major renovation works being carried out at the Zagatala Olympic Sports Complex.”
He further highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan’s continued hosting of international events:
“Our tradition of successfully organizing major international sports competitions was upheld once again. The Mini-Football World Championship, held at the National Gymnastics Arena, was especially remarkable due to our national team’s outstanding performance. Having previously achieved the titles of European champions and fourth place at the world level, this time we became world champions on home soil. On the day following the victory, President Ilham Aliyev met with the national team, congratulated them, and underlined the significance of this historic achievement in our country’s sports history.”
Gayibov also praised the enthusiasm of local fans and the flawless organization:
“The passionate support from the fans throughout the championship was phenomenal. I want to especially commend the work of the federation and express my gratitude to all institutions involved in the organization, particularly the Baku City Circuit Operations Company, for their excellent coordination and execution.”
With a combination of grassroots investment, international prestige, and national pride, May has stood out as a month of record-breaking momentum for Azerbaijani sports.
Idman.biz
