Ganja: On September 28, the solemn opening ceremony of the 3rd CIS Games was held in Ganja, watched by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva. The event marked a significant moment for the city as it hosted athletes from various countries participating in the games.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the ceremony began with the raising of the tricolor flag of Azerbaijan, set to the national anthem, followed by a parade of athletes from participating countries. The Azerbaijani flag was carried by karate fighter Asiman Gurbanli and taekwondo athlete Zemfira Hasanzade. Samir Sharifov, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, greeted those present and highlighted Ganja’s role as the host city alongside six others, welcoming 2,400 athletes from CIS countries, Trkiye, Pakistan, Oman, Cuba, and Kuwait.
During the event, Samir Sharifov emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to sports development and its history of hosting international competitions. He expressed confidence that the games, inaugurated at Ganja Stadium, would promote friendship and cooperation among participating countries. The games are set to be hosted in Ganja and six other cities, including Sheki and Gabala, showcasing Azerbaijan’s infrastructure and hospitality.
Nurlan Seitimov, Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Independent States, read a message from Sergey Nikolayevich Lebedev, Secretary General of the CIS, which underscored the games as a platform to strengthen friendly relations and cooperation among CIS countries. The swearing-in ceremony for athletes and coaches was followed by President Aliyev officially declaring the games open.
As the ceremony concluded with artistic performances and fireworks, it marked Ganja’s designation as the ‘Sports Capital’ of the 3rd CIS Games. The event will continue until October 8, with competitions across 23 sports, awarding 1,694 medals. The games follow previous events held in Kazan, Russia, and Minsk, Belarus, and aim to inspire new achievements among young athletes.