Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov, commented on the performance of Azerbaijani athletes at the 32nd FISU World University Games held in Germany, discussed preparations for the upcoming CIS Games to be held in the fall, touched on the issue of naturalized athletes in sports, and expressed hope that Azerbaijani fighters competing in the UFC would soon be able to fight for titles in Baku.
The Azerbaijani team claimed 2 gold and 2 silver medals at Universiade 2025, finishing 24th in the medal standings, Idman.biz reports.
Speaking to “CBC Sport,” Farid Gayibov said: “The 2025 World University Games in Germany were more successful for us compared to the Universiade held in China two years ago. We achieved a higher ranking in the medal table. It is also encouraging that we are now participating with larger delegations and in more sports.”
In response to a question about reducing the number of foreign-born athletes, the minister noted that work is being done in this direction together with sports federations: “At the last Paris Olympics, the number of naturalized athletes was significantly lower compared to previous games. This year, we also sent a large delegation to the Gymnasiade, and there wasn’t a single naturalized athlete in the squad. We achieved good results there.
The purpose of inviting foreign athletes is to develop sports that lack tradition in Azerbaijan.
For example, trampoline gymnastics. This discipline was included in the 2015 European Games in Baku. We started to develop it two years before that event. It’s also an Olympic sport. Foreign athletes were invited, but children’s groups were also launched at the same time. As a result, at the Paris Olympics, for the first time, Azerbaijan was represented in this sport by a local athlete – Seljan Mahsudova. That means it’s possible to build an Olympic athlete from scratch in 10 years. It would have been difficult to achieve that in 2013 without the help of foreign athletes.
Unfortunately, some federations abuse the process of naturalization. We are discussing this issue with them. We want them to reduce the number of foreign athletes. Their argument is that there are few local athletes in heavier weight classes, so they are forced to turn to foreign athletes. It’s a complex issue.
Our goal is to develop our own specialists and build traditions in various sports. The state has already created all the necessary conditions, including in the regions.”
Farid Gayibov also noted that a new law “On Physical Education and Sports” may soon be submitted to the Milli Majlis (National Assembly): “Statistics show that the number of people involved in sports in Azerbaijan is increasing. We are organizing many events, and the number of participants is growing each time. Our goal is to develop sports across the country. We want sports to become a way of life. The development of sports in Azerbaijan is overseen by President Ilham Aliyev. He has been the president of the National Olympic Committee for many years. Many sports facilities have been built in the country, and major competitions have been held.”
In about 50 days, on September 28, the opening ceremony of the 3rd CIS Games will take place in Ganja. Competitions will be held across 7 cities and districts, including Khankendi, in 20 sports: “In Khankendi, the stadium is being almost entirely rebuilt. To be honest, it’s easier to build a new one than renovate the old stadium. Archery competitions will be held in Khankendi as part of the CIS Games. The stadium will be temporarily put into use, and afterward, renovations will continue. The aim is to obtain UEFA certification so that the Azerbaijan national team and other clubs can host international matches there.
In the host city of Ganja, the largest sports complex in the South Caucasus has been built. Volleyball, swimming, fencing, and shooting competitions will be held there. Wrestlers will compete at the Ganja Olympic Sports Complex, where renovation is also underway. Ganja will also host 3x3 basketball matches.
As for the new Ganja stadium… It was very necessary. The “Kapaz” team could not host games in their home city due to the old stadium being unfit for use. The opening and closing ceremonies of the CIS Games will be held in the new stadium. I believe this stadium will be one of the best football-specific stadiums in Azerbaijan. It could become one of the new symbols of Ganja.”
What results can be expected from the Azerbaijani team at the CIS Games? It is expected that, in addition to CIS countries, some non-post-Soviet countries will also participate in the event. The minister said: “Fans in our own country will expect more medals. The athletes are preparing. We expect good performances from them. The competition will be tough. Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan will all take part… But we believe in our athletes.”
Finally, Farid Gayibov shared his thoughts on the historic first UFC event held in Baku. The tournament was organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Baku City Circuit Operations Company: “Neighboring countries also wanted to host the UFC event, but Azerbaijan proved itself in a positive way. We have a strong portfolio. They trust us. We hosted a very successful UFC night. Many tourists came. If the tournament is held annually in Baku, the number of tourists will increase further.
Last year, Baku hosted fights organized by Rizin, and this year it was the UFC. Currently, we have three fighters in this promotion. Nazim Sadykhov and Rafael Fiziev had successful performances. We also don’t forget Tofig Musayev. We would like to see them fight for titles in Azerbaijan in the future.”
Idman.biz
