The State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Lachin District, and the Azerbaijan Children's and Youth Football Federation jointly organized a mass sports event dedicated to June 1 - International Children's Day in Lachin city. A mini-football match was held between the teams of two educational institutions currently operating in Lachin district - City School No. 2 and Zabukh Village Secondary School. The event coincided with the first anniversary of the beginning of the return to Lachin and was attended by officials from the organizing institutions, students, parents, and public activists.
At the opening ceremony, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Azerbaijani lands and the restoration of territorial integrity, followed by the performance of the State Anthem.
In the opening remarks, it was noted that the event, held within the framework of the First State Program on the Great Return, aimed to conduct propaganda and advocacy work among former internally displaced persons and to increase the interest in sports among children from returning families. It was emphasized that comprehensive support for the moral and physical well-being of the younger generation is a significant aspect of President Ilham Aliyev's social policy. First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva also pays special attention to this field, with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation she leads contributing to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among children and adolescents.
Masim Mammadov, the special representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Lachin district, stated in his speech that the restoration and construction works being carried out in Lachin district, based on the instructions of the head of state, are aimed at ensuring a high standard of living for the returning residents. Opportunities are also being created for them to engage in physical education and sports and to spend their leisure time effectively. Modern sports facilities meeting current standards have been built and put into operation in the city and newly established residential areas. Children and adolescents are encouraged to engage in various sports. Mammadov emphasized that the return of Lachin residents to their ancestral lands is gaining momentum and that the country's leadership is continuously focusing on related issues. He expressed confidence that the children and youth of Lachin, who have a unique sporting tradition, will continue to make significant contributions to the development of Azerbaijani sports and wished success to the participants of the mini-football match between the two schools.
Asif Aliyev, President of the Azerbaijan Children's and Youth Football Federation, veteran Azerbaijani footballer Asim Khudiyev, Sevinc Jabbarova, Director of Lachin City School No. 2, and Ilham Aliyev, a resident of Zabukh village, also spoke at the event. They highlighted the joy that the Great Return to Lachin and other liberated territories has brought to the people and emphasized the importance of measures aimed at helping the returning residents adapt to their new living environment. They noted the significance of organizing sports competitions in this context.
Before the match, over 70 students from both schools were presented with footballs, uniforms, and shoes as gifts from the Azerbaijan Children's and Youth Football Federation. In the exciting match, the team from Lachin City School No. 2 won with a score of 2:1.
At the end, the participants took a group photo together.
