Gusar: The opening ceremony of the 2026 ISMF Ski Mountaineering European Championships and World Cup competitions took place in Gusar, marking a significant achievement for Azerbaijan. The event, held on March 3, was co-organized by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation, the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, and the Shahdag Mountain Resort. According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, this occasion represents a milestone in Azerbaijan's sports history as it hosts such prestigious competitions for the first time. The European Championship and World Cup are seen not only as sporting events but also as a platform to showcase Azerbaijan's winter tourism potential and modern ski infrastructure capabilities. Additionally, the successful hosting of these events underscores the country's ability to organize international competitions. Participants at the event highlighted that organizing competitions of this nature would significantly contribute to the development of a new generation of athletes in Azer baijan. It will aid in the training of professional athletes and strengthen the national team's position on the international stage. Azerbaijan is being represented by five athletes in the tournament, namely Nazrin Garibova, Nabiyulla Galabagiyev, Anid Sultanov, Abel Ismikhanov, and Nurid Shakaraliyev. The competitions, which are scheduled to run from March 4 to March 8, will see athletes compete in U-18 and U-20 categories, as well as senior categories in sprint, mixed relay, individual, and vertical races.