The opening ceremony of the European Ski Mountaineering Championships and World Cup was held with the joint organization of the International Ski Mountaineering Federation, the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation and the "Shahdag" Tourism Center.
Idman.Biz reports that the opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the International Ski Mountaineering Federation and the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, including 124 athletes from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, Germany, Spain, Austria, Norway, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Poland, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Greece, Andorra and Sweden.
At the official opening ceremony, it was stated that the organization of the European Ski Mountaineering Championship and World Cup in Azerbaijan for the first time is a remarkable event in the country's sports history. It was noted that holding these prestigious competitions in Azerbaijan is a clear example of the importance given by the country's leadership to the development of winter sports and the high trust shown by the international sports community in Azerbaijan.
It was emphasized that prestigious competitions such as the European Championship and the World Cup are not only a sporting event for Azerbaijan, but also an important factor in demonstrating the country's winter tourism potential, modern mountain-ski infrastructure capabilities, and the ability to successfully host international events.
During the speeches, it was brought to attention that holding competitions of this format will give an important impetus to the formation of a new generation in the field of sports in the country, the training of professional athletes, and the further strengthening of the national team's position in the international arena, as well as create ample opportunities for expanding cooperation with international federations and sports organizations, and implementing future joint projects.
It should be noted that Azerbaijan will be represented in this competition by 5 members of the national team - Nazrin Garibova, Nabiyulla Galabagiyev, Anid Sultanov, Abel Ismikhanov and Nurid Shakaraliyev.
In the competitions, which will last until March 8, women and men in the U18 and U20 categories, as well as adults, will compete in sprint, mixed relay, individual and vertical types.