As part of a visit to Gazakh District, President Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of a Chess Center.

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

President Ilham Aliyev was informed that the construction of the center, built at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, was launched in December 2011. In the lobby of the center there is a bust of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev. There are also photographs documenting the visits of great leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev to Gazakh District, as well as the care and attention being paid to the development of sports in the country.

It was noted that the Gazakh Chess Center was previously housed in an old building that was constructed in the early 20th century, covered an area of 57 square meters and was not suited for conducting chess lessons. Therefore, a new building with a total area of 750 square meters has been constructed in the center of Gazakh.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed that the Gazakh Chess Center has are all conditions for children and teenagers to learn the secrets of this ancient sport. The center has five fully-equipped classrooms, a service room, a room for teachers, a canteen and a game room. Meeting the highest standards, the game room, covering a total area of 167 square meters, can host competitions at local, regional and international levels. There is a separate computer room for chess lessons and modern innovations.

The President watched younger players in action.

It was noted that the Gazakh Chess Center was ready to host competitions of the national level.

Gazakh chess players have won a number of international and national competitions in recent years.

The center, built in a modern architectural style, and the fence around it have the images of chess pieces. The courtyard of the center has been landscaped, trees planted, a modern lighting system installed, benches and a beautiful fountain set up.

President Ilham Aliyev praised the work done and wished the staff every success.