The Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Farid Gayibov, appeared as a guest on the CBC Sport TV channel and spoke in detail about the preparations for the 3rd CIS Games, which will be held from September 28 to October 8 across seven cities in Azerbaijan.
“The 3rd CIS Games will be organized in seven cities of our country. By the order of the President, an Organizing Committee for the Games was established, chaired by Samir Sharifov. All government agencies are working together to ensure the Games are held at the highest level.
The Baku City Circuit Operating Company, operating under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, actively contributes to the organization of many prestigious competitions in the country. The 3rd CIS Games will also be held in cooperation with Baku City Circuit,” the minister noted.
According to the minister, renovation works are nearing completion in the Olympic sports complexes that will host the Games. “The largest sports complex in the Caucasus — the Sports Palace — has been built in Ganja. Four sports competitions will be held there. Wrestling competitions will take place at the Ganja Olympic Sports Complex, where renovation is currently underway. A 3×3 basketball court will be built in front of the Executive Power building in Ganja.
The opening and closing ceremonies of the Games will take place at the newly built City Stadium of Ganja. The city was in need of such a stadium, and construction of a modern arena began by order of the Head of State. I believe this stadium will become the best football venue in the country and could turn into one of the city’s landmarks.
Judo and sambo competitions will be held at the Olympic Sports Complex in Goygol. Renovation work is nearly complete. This is a high-level complex, and sports federations regularly use it for training camps. Exciting competitions are expected in Goygol, and I invite all local residents to attend.
A new Olympic Sports Complex is under construction in Yevlakh. Boxing competitions will be held there as part of the 3rd CIS Games. The complex includes various sports halls, and in the future, multiple competitions can be held simultaneously there.
Archery competitions will be held in Khankendi. In this regard, major renovation is underway at the stadium. It is a challenging process, but the stadium will be ready by the start of the Games. Renovations will continue even after the competitions. The aim is to upgrade the stadium to UEFA standards so that national team and club matches can be held there in the future.
Traditional rowing competitions will take place in Mingachevir. Karate and taekwondo competitions will also be held at the sports complex there. Rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline competitions will be held at the Olympic Sports Complex in Sheki. Final preparations are being completed at both venues. A chovgan tournament, which is generating great interest, will be held at Sheki city stadium.
A football tournament will take place in Gabala as part of the 3rd CIS Games. The city boasts excellent football infrastructure. Table tennis and badminton competitions will be organized at the Gabala Olympic Sports Complex. Additionally, shooting competitions will also take place in Gabala,” the minister said.
Farid Gayibov emphasized that 3,000 volunteers will be involved in the 3rd CIS Games, and it will be an important experience for them.
Speaking about expectations, the minister added: “Since the competitions will take place in our country, naturally, the fans will expect more medals. Each federation is seriously preparing for the Games. I have positive expectations. We hope for successful performances from our athletes. Major sporting nations like Russia, Belarus, and Uzbekistan will participate. There will be intense competition at the 3rd CIS Games, but we have full confidence in our athletes.”