Azerbaijan sends strong lineup to world chess tournament in Hong Kong

On June 15, 2026, it was announced that Azerbaijan’s national chess team, “Odlar Yurdu,” will compete in the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Hong Kong, according to local media, citing the Azerbaijan Chess Federation.

The team will be represented by some of the country’s strongest players. The squad consists of Rauf Mammadov, Aydin Suleymanli, Ahmed Ahmadzada, Khazar Babazada, Vugar Manafov, Gunay Mammadzada, and Murad Hashimov. Rauf Mammadov has been appointed captain of the team.

In addition to the players’ participation, the federation’s Secretary General, Ilaha Gadimova, will serve at the tournament as the deputy chief arbiter of the World Championship.

The competition is scheduled to take place from June 17 to 22. According to the regulations, each team must include five male players, one female player, and one amateur participant.

By Tamilla Hasanova