Azerbaijan has reinforced its ambition to become a leading development hub for paddle sport following the signing of a new cooperation agreement in Baku.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been agreed between Paddle Europe and the Azerbaijan Water Sports Federation.
Paddle Europe President Jean Zoungrana and Azerbaijan Water Sports Federation President Vugar Ahmadov signed the MoU in the presence of ICF President Thomas Konietzko and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Sports Farid Gayibov.
The signing followed a meeting between Mr Konietzko and Mr Zoungrana and Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov.
At the heart of the MoU is the creation of a new slalom course, which is set play a crucial role in promoting and expanding whitewater disciplines in Azerbaijan and beyond, with the prospect of establishing a European training centre.
This facility is among several key areas that have been identified for collaboration between Paddle Europe and the Azerbaijan Water Sports Federation.
Other areas include training for athletes and technical staff, through the organisation of training camps and coaching seminars, and the development of regional events as well as major continental and international competitions.
This is set to be supported by an in-depth visit of various sites potentially suitable for hosting major paddle sport events.
Mr Zoungrana declared the MoU as a new milestone for the development of paddle sport in Azerbaijan and Eastern Europe.
“This is a major step forward in the partnership initiated in 2023, aiming to make Azerbaijan a true development hub for our paddle sports in Eastern Europe, while strengthening opportunities for cooperation with Asia,” said Mr Zoungrana.
“This signing reflects our shared ambition to accelerate the growth of paddle sports, create new opportunities, and strengthen our presence in the region.”
During their visit, Mr Konietzko and Mr Zoungrana engaged in a series of meetings and venue inspections with Azerbaijan Water Sports Federation President Mr Ahmadov and Secretary General Farhad Aliyev.
They visited the federation’s headquarters and the Baku Canoe and Rowing Sports Club, where they observed athletes training on the Caspian Sea.
The delegation also toured key venues, including the Kur Olympic Training and Sports Centre in Mingachevir and the Sugovushan reservoir, as well as the Sarsang site, which is being considered for future international events.
Mr Konietzko said: “It was an exciting and productive week in Azerbaijan, filled with important meetings and site visits.
“I would like to thank the Azerbaijan Water Sports Federation for their wonderful hospitality and their strong commitment to developing our sport.”
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