BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 28. The opening ceremony of the 3rd CIS Games was held in Ganja, Trend reports.
The ceremony began with the raising of the tricolor flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan, accompanied by the national anthem, followed by a ceremonial parade of athletes from the participating countries.
Azerbaijan’s flag was carried into the arena by karate fighter Asiman Gurbanli and taekwondo athlete Zemfira Hasanzade.
Speeches were delivered by Samir Sharifov, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 3rd CIS Games, and Nurlan Seitimov, Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Subsequently, a swearing-in ceremony for the athletes and their coaches took place.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev officially declared the 3rd CIS Games open.
The event continued with an artistic performance.
The tournament began on September 26 and has brought together 1,624 athletes and 2,337 delegates from 13 countries. Azerbaijan is represented by 340 athletes, followed by Russia with 262, Uzbekistan with 254, Belarus with 240, Kazakhstan with 147, Tajikistan with 144, Kyrgyzstan with 126, Turkmenistan with 48, Türkiye with 38, Cuba with 11, Kuwait with 6, and Oman with 4. Pakistan is also taking part with 4 athletes.
The 3rd CIS Games will continue until October 8, with the closing ceremony set to take place at Ganja City Stadium.