III CIS Games

The III CIS Games represent a vibrant multi-sport event uniting athletes from the Commonwealth of Independent States in a spirit of friendship and healthy competition. Scheduled for September 28 to October 8, 2025, in Azerbaijan, this will be the third edition of the prestigious tournament, highlighting the role of sports in strengthening ties among nations. Ganja, honored as the "Sports Capital of the CIS," will lead the host cities, with events spanning seven locations: Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Gabala, Sheki, Goygol, and Khankendi. Featuring over 2,000 athletes from eight countries, the Games will award 246 medal sets across 23 sports, captivating millions of fans. 

History of the CIS Games: From Minsk to Azerbaijan

The CIS Games emerged as a platform for regional sports dialogue, inspired by the Olympic movement. The inaugural edition took place in 2019 in Minsk, Belarus, where athletes from nine countries competed for 235 medals across 20 disciplines. The success in Minsk underscored the format’s relevance, emphasizing its role in promoting youth and grassroots sports. The second Games occurred in 2023 in Yerevan, Armenia, focusing on adaptive sports and inclusivity. There, gender equality gained prominence, with women securing 45% of the medals, and participation exceeded 1,800 athletes.

The III CIS Games in Azerbaijan mark an expansion in geography and programming. Organizers, including the CIS Executive Committee and Azerbaijan’s National Olympic Committee, highlight innovations: for the first time, esports and adaptive swimming competitions are included. Preparations began in 2024, with renovated stadiums in Ganja and Gabala. On August 31, a countdown ceremony was held in Ganja. Participation is confirmed by Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with potential involvement from Armenia and Moldova. The event will serve as a diplomatic platform, expecting visits from sports delegation heads and regional broadcasts.

Preparations and Infrastructure: Seven Cities in Sync

As the host, Azerbaijan has invested over 50 million manats in infrastructure. Ganja will host the opening ceremony and key volleyball and 3x3 basketball matches, while Mingachevir’s Kur Olympic Center will feature canoeing and taekwondo. Sheki and Gabala focus on wrestling and karate, Goygol on swimming, and Yevlakh on U-16 football. Khankendi, recently liberated, symbolizes renewal with track and field events.

Safety is paramount: biometric control systems are implemented, and anti-doping protocols align with WADA standards. Volunteers—1,500 young Azerbaijanis—have undergone hospitality training. The official website offers schedules and broadcasts, with a mobile app providing real-time results. Sustainability is emphasized: all venues are equipped with solar panels, reflecting the CIS’s "green" approach.

Sports and Expectations: 246 Medals at Stake

The III CIS Games program includes 23 disciplines, with swimming leading (40 medal sets). Athletes will compete in track and field, wrestling, sambo, kurash, U-16 football, volleyball, 3x3 basketball, canoeing, taekwondo, karate, weightlifting, and chess. A novelty—esports with Dota 2 and CS:GO—targets gamers from Russia and Kazakhstan.

Expectations are high: Russia, a perennial leader, aims to top the medal tally, but host Azerbaijan is ambitious in wrestling and swimming. Belarus excels in canoeing, Uzbekistan in martial arts. Key figures include Azerbaijani wrestler Khajimurad Gadjiyev and Kazakh swimmer Daniil Panfilov. Forecasts suggest up to 50% of medals for favorites, with breakthroughs from debutants. The Games emphasize youth, with an average athlete age of 22.

Significance of the III CIS Games: Sports as a Bridge of Unity

The III CIS Games are more than competitions; they’re a cultural festival with concerts in Ganja and exhibitions in Sheki. They will strengthen CIS bonds, promoting the "Astrakhan Charter" on sports. For Azerbaijan, it’s an image boost ahead of COP29. Fans anticipate spectacles, with broadcasts reaching 100 million viewers.

As the start approaches, Azerbaijan buzzes with anticipation. The III CIS Games promise to set a benchmark for regional sports, inspiring a new generation. Stay tuned: medals are just a week away!