Historic debut: Azerbaijani figure skater to compete at European Championships

For the first time in the history of figure skating, Azerbaijan will be represented at the European Figure Skating Championships by a native athlete.

The trailblazer is Nargiz Suleymanova, who secured her spot at the European Championships by winning the international tournament held in Istanbul, Türkiye, from November 27–30, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Competing against 26 participants, Suleymanova claimed first place with a total score of 156.53 points, marking a historic achievement for Azerbaijani figure skating.

At the same event, Sabina Aliyeva finished in sixth place with 137.22 points, while Arina Kalugina placed fifth in the junior competition, scoring 154.85 points.

Previously, Azerbaijan had only been represented at the European Championships by foreign-born skaters. 

The European Figure Skating Championships are scheduled to be held at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, United Kingdom, from January 13 through January 18, 2026.

By Vafa Guliyeva