The Countdown to the 3rd CIS Games Has Begun in Ganja
Today, the official countdown ceremony for the 3rd CIS Games was held in Ganja.
The event was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Games, Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Farid Gayibov, and Deputy Head of Ganja City Executive Authority, Adil Tagiyev.
In the speeches, it was emphasized that hosting such a significant sporting event in Azerbaijan is an important milestone in the country’s sports and cultural life.
In particular, Adil Tagiyev noted that large-scale renovation and construction works are being carried out in the city as part of preparations for the 3rd CIS Games. He also stressed that the largest sports palace in the Caucasus has been built in Ganja.
For his part, Minister Farid Gayibov called on the residents of Ganja to actively support the athletes during the Games. “There is less than a month left until the start of the Games. As you know, sports are one of the priority directions of state policy in Azerbaijan. Our country has already hosted various multi-sport competitions. However, for the first time, such a large-scale sporting event will be held in the regions. The opening and closing ceremonies, as well as a number of competitions in different sports, will be organized in Ganja,” he said.
As part of the ceremony, the official mascots of the 3rd CIS Games — Babar and Leyla — were presented to the public.
The highlight of the event was the activation of countdown clocks specially installed on the stands.
The festive program continued with an exciting concert featuring popular performers Emiliya Yagubova and Chingiz Mustafayev.
The 3rd CIS Games will be held from September 28 to October 8, 2025, across seven cities of Azerbaijan: Ganja, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Gabala, Sheki, Goygol, and Khankendi. The opening and closing ceremonies will take place at Ganja City Stadium.
