The opening ceremony of the International President Cup 2025 Regatta, dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s birth, was held today in the scenic region of Sugovushan, Karabakh.
Idman.biz, via AZERTAC, reports that the ceremony began with the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs who gave their lives for the country.
Farhad Aliyev, Secretary General of the Azerbaijan Canoe and Rowing Federation (AKAF), highlighted the growing international interest in the event and expressed satisfaction with this progress.
President of the European Canoe Association (ECA), Jean Zoungrana, praised the rapid development of rowing sports in Azerbaijan and thanked AKAF for the warm hospitality and excellent organization.
Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov noted that this is the fifth consecutive year the regatta has been held in Sugovushan, emphasizing that the organization continues to improve year after year. He expressed confidence that the athletes will enjoy the competition.
Following the official remarks, the regatta was officially declared open.
The President Cup 2025 Regatta brings together over 200 athletes from more than 20 countries. After today's events in Sugovushan, the competition will continue May 1–2 at the Kur Olympic Training and Sports Center in Mingachevir, where teams will compete in kayaking, canoeing, and academic rowing across various distances.
The closing ceremony will be held on May 2 at the Mingachevir venue, where winners will be awarded trophies in kayak-canoe and academic rowing categories. The event will conclude, as tradition dictates, with a fireworks display.
For the third year in a row, the President Cup Regatta is included in the official calendar of the European Canoe Association (ECA).
Idman.biz
