President Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of the Gabala Olympic Sports Center.

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the Center.

Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov informed the President of Azerbaijan that the construction of the Center located in the heart of the city had commenced in 2007. A land plot of 4.3 hectares was allocated for the construction of this giant arena. The construction was carried out at a high level and completed in October this year. The two-storey facility has a gym, a swimming pool, fitness rooms, a cafeteria and training gyms. The Center is fitted with necessary equipment to facilitate the development of different sports at the level of modern standards in Gabala.

President Ilham Aliyev watched the training process in the volleyball hall. Then the President reviewed the design documents of sports facilities.

It was noted that the Center will have a mini-café. Sportsmen can also have a rest here. To do this, there are billiards and ping-pong tables on the second floor.

It was mentioned that the main building covers an area of 9,000 square meters. On the first floor there are photo stands describing the care and attention of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev to the development of physical training and sports in the country, as well as the successes of Azerbaijani sportsmen in various international competitions.

The President also toured the sports hall where international tournaments in mini-football, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, boxing and various types of wrestling will be held. It has a seating capacity of 720 people and is equipped with modern facilities.

President Ilham Aliyev also inspected the swimming pool. It has a special moisture absorbing facility. Around 80 fans can watch the competitions to be held here.

The President reviewed outdoor sports facilities. It was mentioned that the stands of the stadium with artificial turf can seat 1,540 spectators. There are also mini-football, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.

President Aliyev watched young football players in training. The head of state had a picture taken with the players and their coaches and wished them success.

It was noted that there are also three fully equipped cottages at the Center, where sportsmen and guests can relax.

The President was informed that landscaping and gardening work had been carried out on an area of 10,000 square meters around the Center. The sports arena has its own boiler house, a transformer substation, a water reservoir and artesian wells, and is equipped with security and fire safety systems. This modern Olympic Center will give an impetus to the development of sports in the district.

The President gave a high assessment to the work done at the Gabala Olympic Sports Center and gave relevant instructions and recommendations.