Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

Azerbaijan's Shirvan Olympic Complex is hosting an international open swimming tournament dedicated to the memory of National leader Heydar Aliyev.

Held on May 9-14, the sports event has brought together about 70 athletes from Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Chief Executive of Shirvan Mardan Jamalov said such a tournament is held in the new Olympic complex for the first time.

Azerbaijan's Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Ismayil Ismayilov, in turn, said 57 international tournaments and high level competitions were held in Azerbaijan last year, and stressed the important role of Azerbaijan's President.

"The construction of such facilities and their equipment is the Head of State's contribution for the development of youths and a healthy future for the country," he added.

Earlier, an international water polo tournament was held in Mingachevir. The event, dedicated to the 91st anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, was co-organized by Azerbaijan's Water Sports Federation and Youth and Sports Ministry.

Two Azerbaijani teams - one senior and one junior- as well as teams from Georgia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Hungary attended the event which was a preparatory game for the European Games 2015 in which these teams, except Uzbekistan, will be presented.