International rowers gear up for President Cup 2025 in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is set to welcome athletes from more than 20 nations as it hosts the prestigious International President Cup 2025 Regatta, an event dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of the birth of national leader Heydar Aliyev.

Organised by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Youth and Sports in partnership with the Azerbaijan Canoe and Rowing Federation, the regatta will take place from April 28 to May 2, drawing over 200 athletes from a diverse lineup of countries, including Germany, Hungary, South Africa, India, Ukraine, and many others across Europe, Central Asia, and beyond, Caliber.Az reports.

The five-day event will commence on April 28 with a series of rowing demonstrations at the scenic Köndalanchay Reservoir in Fuzuli, offering an opportunity for participants and spectators to experience the natural beauty of the region while showcasing technical prowess on water.

The following day, April 29, will feature the official parade and presentation of teams along Heydar Aliyev Avenue in Mingachevir, celebrating international camaraderie and the spirit of competition.

The official opening ceremony and the high-speed 200m race will be held on April 30 in Sugovushan, marking the ceremonial beginning of the regatta’s competitive segment.

From May 1 to 2, the event will shift to the Kur Olympic Training and Sports Center, where athletes will compete in a range of disciplines, including canoeing, rowing, and sculling, across multiple distances. The centre, known for its world-class facilities, is expected to provide an excellent venue for high-level performances.

The regatta will culminate with a formal closing ceremony on May 2 in Mingachevir, concluding what promises to be a dynamic display of international athletic talent and sportsmanship.

By Vafa Guliyeva