Aachen: A delegation of more than 150 representatives from the Equestrian Federation of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ARAF) successfully represented the country at CHIO Aachen, held in Aachen, Germany, and regarded as one of the most prestigious events in world equestrian sports.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, CHIO Aachen, organized since 1898, is recognized in the international equestrian community as the 'Wimbledon of equestrian sports.' Representatives from leading equestrian nations and renowned athletes ranked among the global top 100 participated in the esteemed event, known as one of Europe's premier showjumping competitions.
The competitions took place at the Hauptstadion arena in Germany's renowned Soers complex, which has a capacity of 40,000 spectators. Thousands of spectators and international media representatives from various countries attended the event, which stood out for its high level of organization and impressive atmosphere.
As part of the event, the special Horse and Symphony program dedicated to the James Bond theme, along with the joint performance by the Military Orchestra of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the CHIO Aachen orchestral ensemble, received enthusiastic applause. The musical performances added a distinctive atmosphere, with the harmony of music, horsemanship, and stage elements providing participants with unforgettable moments.
Azerbaijan's ancient equestrian traditions were reflected in the attention drawn to the Garabagh and Dilbaz horses. National musical elements and cultural compositions were warmly received by the audience, with the elegance, agility, and aesthetic appearance of the horses playing a significant role in showcasing Azerbaijan's rich equestrian heritage on the international stage.
The city of Aachen is set to host the FEI World Equestrian Championships in 2026. In this regard, CHIO Aachen is currently regarded as one of the main focal points of the global equestrian community, and the participation of the Azerbaijani delegation is viewed as an indication of the country's growing prestige in international sports and culture.