On May 21, the final stage of the "Battle of Minds II" Olympiad was held at School-Lyceum No. 6 named after Tofig Ismayilov, featuring the participation of 9th–11th grade students from general education institutions. Alena Aliyeva attended the event.
The event began with the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Following this, a minute of silence was observed to honor the cherished memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, as well as the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.
A joint initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Education, the final stage of the Olympiad was dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The finals were organized in a team format, consisting of both a knowledge competition and a chess tournament.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Fuad Garayev, Deputy Director of the Institute of Education, stated that the primary objective of the Olympiad is to develop strategic thinking, proper decision-making, and leadership skills among the younger generation. He noted that students representing various regions of the country had qualified for the final stage. In addition to fostering an environment of healthy competition, the tournament serves as an important platform built upon knowledge and intellect. Fuad Garayev added that the project also serves to promote national moral values and strengthen the ideology of Azerbaijanism.
Following the speeches, the competitions commenced.
In the knowledge competition category of the finals, teams participated from the Khazar, Nasimi, Yasamal, Khatai, and Narimanov districts of Baku, as well as the cities of Ganja, Nakhchivan, Mingachevir, and Sheki, alongside the Absheron, Ismayilli, Lerik, Saatli, Barda, Gazakh, Gusar, Zangilan, and Neftchala districts.
Meanwhile, competing in the chess tournament were teams from Baku's Khatai, Khazar, Sabunchu, Sabail, and Yasamal districts, as well as the cities of Ganja, Nakhchivan, Sumgayit, and Sheki, along with the Aghjabadi, Aghsu, Beylagan, Jabrayil, Goychay, Guba, Masalli, Neftchala, and Tovuz districts.
A total of 108 students across 18 teams participated in the final stage of the knowledge competition. The schoolchildren answered questions in the fields of mathematics, digital technologies, natural and humanitarian sciences, culture, and arts.
In the chess tournament, a total of 72 students competed across 18 teams, each consisting of four players.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Deputy Minister of Science and Education Firudin Gurbanov congratulated the winners and stated that intellectual competitions play a crucial role in the development of young people. According to him, such contests contribute significantly to the expansion of students' worldviews, creative thinking abilities, and teamwork skills.
The Deputy Minister noted that one of the key priorities in the 2030 development strategy is the formation of human capital and an innovative society. This, in turn, requires nurturing creative and enterprising youth. He emphasized that such competitions hold special significance in terms of uncovering the potential of young people and shaping their future success.
Firudin Gurbanov stated that more than 5,000 students participated in the Olympiad. Highlighting that the winners demonstrated exceptional knowledge and skills, he wished all participants success in their future endeavors.
Speaking at the event, Alena Aliyeva said: “I am very glad that this Olympiad has been implemented for two years now. I extend my gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Science and Education for their support. Education is the path to success. Dear students, this is your achievement. I congratulate all the participants of the Olympiad. I believe that we will continue this path together in the future.”
Following the speeches, the winning teams were determined based on the results of the Olympiad, and gold, silver, and bronze medals were presented to the winners in both categories.
In an interview with an AZERTAC correspondent, Aykhan Abbaszade, captain of the Absheron district team, which claimed first place in the "Battle of Minds II" Olympiad, expressed that this victory means a great deal to him. He noted that behind this success lies a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication, and team support.
Speaking about the preparation process, the captain emphasized that the team's primary motivation stemmed from last year's results.
The main objective of holding the Olympiad is to identify talented young people who stand out with their knowledge and skills in various fields; to develop students' skills in cooperation, effective communication, leadership, debate culture, decision-making, teamwork, analytical and logical thinking, planning, and strategy building; as well as to foster a healthy competitive environment and expand interregional communication.
