There is little time left until the start of the 3rd CIS Games. Our rowers are already in the crucial phase of their preparation. Held between September 28 and October 8 across seven cities in Azerbaijan, the Games will serve as an important test for the national team to demonstrate its strength. The event program includes academic rowing, kayaking, and canoeing disciplines. Azerbaijani athletes are ready to make their mark.
Head coach of Azerbaijan’s national kayaking and canoeing team, Mirnazim Javadov, stated that preparations are going according to plan:
“Our lineup has been determined. Before the Games, several athletes will compete in international tournaments. Two of our rowers have already participated in the World Championship for juniors and youth in Portugal. As part of the preparation, we’re planning a training camp in Belarus and participation in a tournament in Barnaul, Russia. At the end of August, some of our athletes were also competed in the senior World Championship in Milan.
We hope to perform successfully at the 3rd CIS Games. We would like to win more gold medals, though competition will be strong. Nevertheless, we are ready to fight for podium finishes,” he added.
Head coach of the national academic rowing team, Vladimir Morozov, emphasized the team’s dedicated efforts:
“Preparation for the Games began back in September 2024. We selected 10 promising athletes who are now training at the Mingachevir base, which offers all the necessary conditions. The athletes have already shown good results. Azar Ilyasov and Jahangir Mammadli placed second in an international regatta held in Austria.
We have high hopes for Nurlan Pashayev, Azar Ilyasov, and Jahangir Mammadli. They are capable of competing for medals. Our rivals are countries with rich experience in rowing. Our team is young, but we will put up strong competition,” said Morozov.
According to the coach, the athletes are training intensively—twice a day with only one rest day per week. The federation provides all necessary conditions and ensures opportunities for international competition.
The 3rd CIS Games will be a true test for Azerbaijani rowers—and a chance to prove themselves.
