The opening ceremony of the “Heydar Aliyev Cup 2026” international boxing tournament among boys and girls under the age of 17 has been held. The event, organized at the Baku Boxing Center, began with the parade of participating teams.

Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary General of the Azerbaijan Boxing Federation Nagi Safarov emphasized that hosting international competitions has become a tradition in Azerbaijan. He highlighted the importance of the tournament and wished success to the participants, as well as a pleasant stay in Baku for the guests.

Supervisor of the “Heydar Aliyev Cup 2026,” Pavlo Vasilinchuk (Ukraine), expressed his gratitude to the Organizing Committee and voiced confidence that the tournament would feature intense and exciting bouts.

Following the performance of the National Anthem, the tournament was officially declared open.

Alongside Azerbaijan, national teams from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Latvia, Estonia, and Moldova, as well as a team of neutral athletes, are taking part in the competition.

The tournament features 185 boxers, with winners to be determined in 14 weight categories for boys and 9 for girls. The finals of the “Heydar Aliyev Cup 2026” will be held on May 7.