CIS Games 2025

The III CIS Games is a major event in Azerbaijan's sporting life. This prestigious event, which unites athletes from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, will be held from September 28 to October 8, 2025. Across seven Azerbaijani cities—Ganja, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Gabala, Sheki, Goygol, and Khankendi—more than 2,000 athletes will compete for 246 sets of medals in 23 sports. This event is designed to strengthen the CIS sports community, inspire youth, and boost national pride. Ganja will host the opening ceremony with the status of "CIS Sports Capital," while Khankendi will serve as a symbol of the regenerated region. History: From Minsk to Azerbaijan The CIS Games were conceived, inspired by the Olympic movement, as a platform for regional sports dialogue. The inaugural edition was held in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, in 2019, where athletes from nine countries competed for 235 medals across 20 disciplines. The success in Minsk confirmed the format's relevance and helped develop youth and mass sports. The second Games took place in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, in 2023, with a focus on adaptive sports and inclusivity. Women won 45% of the medals, and the number of participants exceeded 1,800. The III CIS Games in Azerbaijan are significant for expanding both the geography and the program. Organizers—the CIS Executive Committee and the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan—emphasize innovation: for the first time, esports and adaptive swimming have been included. Preparations began in 2024: stadiums were renovated, and a countdown ceremony was held in Ganja on August 31st. Confirmed participants include Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; Armenia and Moldova are potential additions. The event will also serve as a diplomatic platform, with expected visits from heads of sports delegations and regional broadcasting. Preparation and Infrastructure: Seven Cities in Sync As the host, Azerbaijan has invested over 50 million manats into infrastructure. Ganja will host the opening ceremony, volleyball, and 3x3 basketball, while the "Kur" Olympic Center in Mingachevir is set for canoeing and taekwondo. Sheki and Gabala will host wrestling and karate, Goygol will host swimming, Yevlakh U-16 football, and Khankendi will host athletics. Security is a priority: biometric control and anti-doping procedures compliant with WADA standards will be in place. 1,500 volunteers have undergone hospitality training. The official website offers schedules and streaming, and a mobile application allows for real-time results tracking. Sustainability is also emphasized, with all venues equipped with solar panels. Sports and Expectations: Competing for 246 Medals The program includes 23 sports, with swimming leading with 40 medal sets. Athletes will compete in athletics, wrestling, sambo, kurash, U-16 football, volleyball, 3x3 basketball, canoeing, taekwondo, karate, weightlifting, and chess. A new element is esports (Dota 2 and CS:GO), which is expected to attract gamers from Russia and Kazakhstan. Expectations are high: Russia aims to top the medal table, while host Azerbaijan is a strong contender in wrestling and swimming. Belarus is strong in canoeing, and Uzbekistan in martial arts. Key figures to watch include Azerbaijani wrestler Khadzhimurad Gadzhiyev and Kazakh swimmer Daniil Panfilov. Forecasts suggest the favorites could claim up to 50% of the medals. The Games have a focus on youth, with the average age of the athletes being 22. The Significance of the III CIS Games: Sport as a Unifying Bridge The III CIS Games are not just a competition but a cultural festival, featuring concerts in Ganja and exhibitions in Sheki. The event is expected to strengthen ties within the CIS and promote the "Astrakhan Charter." For Azerbaijan, it provides a boost to its image ahead of COP29. Fans anticipate spectacular displays, with the broadcast expected to reach 100 million viewers.