Baku: Azerbaijan is set to host a range of international sports competitions next year, marking a significant milestone for the country. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and President of the National Olympic Committee, Ilham Aliyev, announced that the nation would host the Ski World Cup for the first time. This event will take place at the Shahdagh Ski Resort in Gusar, elevating Azerbaijan's status on the international ski calendar.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev made these remarks during a ceremony dedicated to the results of sports in 2025. He emphasized that Azerbaijan has hosted hundreds of international sports competitions and anticipates even more in the coming year. The inclusion of Azerbaijan among the limited number of host countries for such prestigious events is seen as a significant achievement for the nation.

The Shahdagh Tourism Ski Center, which will host the Ski World Cup, is undergoing continuous development. New tracks and slopes are being introduced annually, and the total length of the tracks is expected to exceed 50 kilometers, reaching approximately 55 kilometers within the next year or two. Future expansion plans are also being considered, with the center currently recognized as the most developed ski center in the region. This development has spurred interest from the private sector, creating thousands of jobs and benefiting not only the Shahdagh Ski Center but also the surrounding villages and cities. Local residents are increasingly involved in the tourism sector, contributing to the region's economic growth.