On 4–5 April 2026, a kickboxing competition for cadets, juniors, youth and seniors dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of National Leader Heydər Əliyev was held at the Sərhədçi Olympic Sports Centre in Baku. It was organised by the Special Purpose Sports Club (Xüsusi təyinatlı idman klubu) with the support of the Azerbaijan Kickboxing Federation.
The opening ceremony took place on 4 April. The competition was opened by Orxan Əliyev, president of the Azerbaijan Kickboxing Federation, who wished the participants success.
WAKO President Roy Baker also attended the opening ceremony and presented commemorative gifts to Adil Əliyev, honorary president of the Azerbaijan Kickboxing Federation, and to federation president Orxan Əliyev. In his speech, Roy Baker stressed the rapid development of kickboxing in Azerbaijan, saying that the country has already become one of the examples for the region in this sport. He praised the athletes' achievements on the international stage, commended the federation's work and expressed confidence that cooperation would expand further.
A total of 44 teams took part: 34 from Baku and 10 from the regions, including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Close to 400 athletes competed.
Source: WAKO Azerbaijan (Facebook)