The Russian Federation proposed the concept of hosting the CIS Games. On September 28, 2018, the Council of CIS State Leaders met in Dushanbe and approved the plan.

In addition to putting the CIS collaboration agreement in the realm of physical culture and sport into effect, the Games were organised to fortify the long-standing amicable relations between nations.

The goals of the Games are to preserve CIS national sports as a historical legacy, their popularisation and development at the international level, promote a healthy lifestyle, develop positive physical and moral qualities in young people, cultivate patriotism, the will to achieve goals, respect for history and folk traditions, and improve sports prowess and experience of the athletes competing in international competitions.

Chovgan is a traditional horseback game that holds significant cultural value in Azerbaijan’s national heritage. Performed on famous Karabakh horses , two teams compete by using long-handled mallets to hit a small ball and score goals.

The game requires exceptional horsemanship, agility, and coordination, as players must maintain control over both their horse and their movements. Rooted deeply in Azerbaijani traditions, Chovgan goes beyond being a recreational activity— it stands as a symbol of the nation’s identity and cultural legacy. Today, it remains both a cherished cultural practice and a competitive sport.

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