The “President’s Cup 2026” international rowing and canoeing regatta will be held from April 27 to May 1, co-organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Azerbaijan Water Sports Federation.
“Elchi” reports that more than 100 athletes from Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Sweden, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan will compete in the regatta, which is dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of the birth of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
For the first time, the “President’s Cup” will start in the liberated Aghdara district, at the Sarsang reservoir. On April 27, demonstration performances and competitions in rowing, kayaking, canoeing, dragon boats, and sailing will take place in Sarsang. Scooters carrying the flags of the participating countries will circle on the water. The event will also feature national music and dance performances. Thus, after Sugovushan and Kondalanchay, the foundation of a rowing tradition will be laid in a new location in Karabakh.
On April 28, the official parade and opening ceremony of the competitions will be held in Mingachevir. At the opening ceremony, which will start at 18:30, officials and guests will first visit the monument to National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Mingachevir. Subsequently, a march of the teams from Heydar Aliyev Avenue to the “Kur” Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Center will be organized. After the parade, the official opening ceremony and artistic part will begin in front of the “Kur” Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Center. The artistic part will feature shows, various dance and music performances. The event will continue with live performances by the “Dong” group. The concert program will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display.
On April 29, the competitions will continue at the Sugovushan reservoir, another picturesque corner of Karabakh. The final races of the “President’s Cup 2026” international regatta will be held on April 30 – May 1 at the “Kur” Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Center in Mingachevir. The regatta will conclude on May 1.