On November 19, 2025, the final match of the interfaculty men’s volleyball championship dedicated to the cherished memory of Azerbaijan’s National Hero Natig Gasimov was held at Mingachevir State University.

The event, organized at the university’s Sports and Health Complex, was attended by family members of the National Hero, representatives of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority, the Central Aran Regional Youth and Sports Department, the Mingachevir City Education Sector, media representatives, members of the city community, as well as MDU’s academic-administrative staff and students.

First, the cherished memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs was honored with a one-minute silence, followed by the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Opening the event, Rector of Mingachevir State University Anar Eminov stated that the life path of Azerbaijan’s National Hero Natig Gasimov serves as a true example of patriotism for young people. He emphasized that the university continues to strengthen a sports environment that contributes to the comprehensive development of students and noted that encouraging young people toward a healthy lifestyle, improving their physical fitness, and educating them in a patriotic spirit are among the university’s main priorities. The rector stressed that dedicating the championship to the memory of the National Hero contributes to strengthening national spirit among students and wished success to all participants.

In his speech, Sahib Aliyev, Head of the Department for Work with Patriotic War Participants and Martyr Families of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority, noted that the names of the martyrs are always held in high honor in Azerbaijan and emphasized the importance of raising the younger generation with deep respect for their heroism. He stated that such events have a significant impact on shaping both physical preparedness and moral responsibility among young people.

The National Hero’s brother, Nofal Gasimov, expressed gratitude on behalf of the family to the organizers of the event and stated that his brother’s combat path will always remain an example for young people. He highly appreciated the gathering of youth at such competitions as an important means of preserving memory and protecting national values.

Head of the Central Aran Regional Youth and Sports Department Azad Gozalov spoke about the efforts being made to expand sports infrastructure in the region, promote mass sports, and encourage a healthy lifestyle among young people. He positively evaluated the consistent implementation of sports activities at MDU and wished success to the participants.

Head of the Mingachevir City Education Sector Sevinc Hasanova emphasized the role of sports in the upbringing of young people, stating that increasing youth participation in both education and sports contributes to forming healthier and better-prepared individuals for society. She also noted that such events dedicated to the cherished memory of martyrs create an important platform for strengthening school–university–society relations.

In the tense and exciting final match, the team composed of third-year students from the Faculty of Engineering won first place, while the team of second-year students from the Faculty of Economics and Management took second place.

The teams were awarded cups and medals.

It should be noted that Mingachevir State University will continue organizing a series of events dedicated to the cherished memory of Azerbaijan’s National Hero Natig Gasimov, while also consistently implementing activities aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and mass sports among students.