Ganja named CIS sports capital 2025

On June 15, 2025, a special certificate presentation ceremony was held at the Heydar Aliyev Park Complex in Ganja, marking the city’s designation as the 2025 Sports Capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

The event commenced with a flower-laying ceremony at the monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The ceremony was attended by government officials, representatives of CIS member states, as well as prominent figuresfrom the fields of culture, sports, and public life.

Following the official presentation of the certificate, guests were introduced to the various sports disciplines that will feature in the 3rd CIS Games. Along the route from the Heydar Aliyev Center to the Victory Arch, attendees enjoyed live demonstrations from athletes across a range of sports. The event concluded with a concert program.

The 3rd CIS Games will take place from September 28 to October 8, 2025, across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, and Khankendi. Both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games will be held in Ganja, reinforcing its role as the central host city of this prestigious multi-sport event.