Baku: In line with the 2026 training plan, the Azerbaijan Army has launched a kettlebell lifting championship, as announced by the Ministry of Defense to AZERTAC. The event commenced with an opening ceremony at the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the ceremony began with a moment of silence to honor the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the Motherland. This solemn tribute was followed by the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Subsequent to the ceremonial proceedings, the composition of the participating teams was verified, and the weight categories for the competitors were established. The purpose of the competition along with the safety guidelines were communicated to the servicemen to ensure a smooth and secure event.

The championship features 8 teams, encompassing a total of 48 servicemen, who will compete in 6 distinct weight categories. The event is scheduled to conclude on January 17, allowing the participants to demonstrate their strength and skills over the course of the competition.