The opening ceremony of the XI Vugar Gashimov Memorial was held in Khankendi

The opening ceremony of the 11th Vugar Gashimov Memorial Tournament was held in Khankendi.

First, the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played. Then, a video about the geography of the competition was shown to the guests.

Then, the floor was given to Sabuhi Gahramanov, Deputy Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Khankendi, Agdere and Khojaly regions. S. Gahramanov spoke about the deceased chess player Vugar Gashimov. He spoke about Gashimov's global reputation and his achievements in international arenas. The representative said that he believes that the tournament dedicated to Gashimov's memory will be continuous, and noted that holding the prestigious competition in liberated Khankendi is an important event. He said that such events give impetus to the development of chess in the country and wished the participants success.

Then, the president of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, Mahir Mammadov, spoke. The head of the organization spoke about the contribution of the Vugar Gashimov tournament to the development of Azerbaijani chess. He also called the holding of the competition in Khankendi an important event. M. Mammadov also shared his memories of the deceased chess player. He spoke about Gashimov's becoming the European champion and Grand Prix winner. The head of ACF noted that the Memorial has its own traditions and that this tournament is organized at a high level. He emphasized that the memory of the deceased grandmaster will always be remembered. In the end, he wished success to all participants.

Then, the memory of Gasim Hashimov, the founder of the Vugar Gashimov Chess Foundation, and the chairman of the organizing committee of the Vugar Gashimov Memorial for many years, was commemorated with a minute of silence. Then a video dedicated to G. Hashimov was shown.

Then the floor was given to the chairman of the organizing committee, Sarkhan Hashimov. S. Hashimov said that the holding of this memorial is the result of joint efforts. Hashimov said that the main task is to continue Gasim Hashimov's path, and that they work together with the organizers. S. Hashimov called the holding of the event in Khankendi a great event. Then the chairman of the organizing committee declared the 11th Vugar Gashimov Memorial Tournament open.

Finally, the floor was given to the chief judge of the competition, Rauf Hajili. After the chief judge gave information about the competition, the draw ceremony was held.

After the draw, the first matches were held.