Azerbaijan Hosts First-Ever National Para Swimming Championship

Azerbaijan has held its first-ever national para swimming championship.

According to the National Paralympic Committee (NPC), nearly 30 young para swimmers competed across nine different categories during the tournament.

The event was attended by two-time Paralympic champion Ilham Zakiyev, Head of Sector at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Aydin Mammadov, representatives of the National Paralympic Committee, partner organizations, and members of the sports community.

The main objective of the championship, organized for the first time in the country, was to encourage people with disabilities to engage in sports, support the development of their athletic skills, identify promising para swimmers capable of representing Azerbaijan in future international competitions, and contribute to building a talent pool in para swimming.

The competition was organized by the National Paralympic Committee with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and took place at the Sumgayit Paralympic Sports Complex, which operates under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population. At the end of the championship, winners were awarded medals, certificates, and gifts.

It should be noted that the competition is considered an important step in the development of para swimming in Azerbaijan, increasing athletes’ competitive experience, and identifying candidates for the national team.