The ‘Presidential Cup-2022’ tournament started with the participation of more than 100 athletes representing Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, Moldova and Uzbekistan in the village of Sugovuşan in Karabakh, which was liberated from the Armenian occupation on the occasion of the 99th birthday of the late Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev.
In his speech at the ceremony, Azerbaijan Sports Minister Ferid Gayibov stated that the tournament was the first international race held in Karabakh and said, “I would like to thank the Azerbaijan Canoe Federation, volunteers and everyone who contributed to the organization. If we’re standing here, we owe it to our president and our military. I believe that the souls of our martyrs are blessed. This competition is not the last. This competition will become a tradition. 5 countries are participating in the tournament. I express my gratitude to the representatives of Turkey, Georgia, Moldova and Uzbekistan. They are with us today.” After the opening show, the athletes competed in canoe and ski competitions.
The tournament will end on May 7 after the competitions to be held in Mingachevir.