ULUDAĞ, Türkiye — Azerbaijani athletes grabbed two medals at the second Turkic States Ski Cup, dominating key categories in giant slalom races. Nearly 100 amateur skiers from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan competed across three age groups: 18-25, 26-45 and 46+ for men and women.

The event, backed by the Organization of Turkic States and the Ski Resorts Union of Turkic-Speaking States, drew strong fields to the snowy slopes of Uludağ Mountain Resort. Competitors who registered in advance raced down the course, chasing podium spots in the technical discipline.

Elvira Zakarayeva of Azerbaijan claimed second place in the women’s 26-45 category. She trailed only Nataliya Lapshina of Kazakhstan, while Türkiye’s Buse Terim finished third.

Azerbaijan posted its top result in the men’s 26-45 race. Ceyhun Balametov crossed the line first, beating Metehan Taşdemir of Türkiye into second. Talip Gülle, also from Türkiye, rounded out the podium in third.

Organizers handed out cups and medals to winners during the closing ceremony. Every participant walked away with commemorative gifts. Officials emphasized the tournament’s role in building winter sports ties among Turkic nations. They aim to spark more joint events and boost skiing’s appeal across the region, according to statements from the organizers.

Kazakhstan and Türkiye have submitted bids to host the 2025 edition. The competition highlights growing interest in regional athletic exchanges. Skiers navigated challenging conditions on the mountain course, with times reflecting tight battles in each category.

Azerbaijani success highlights the nation’s push in winter disciplines. Balametov’s victory marks a standout moment, while Zakarayeva’s silver adds to the medal haul. Event backers see these gatherings as a platform to nurture talent and support friendships through sport.

Uludağ’s facilities provided ideal terrain for the amateur-level showdown. Past editions have set the stage for expanded participation. With bids already in for next year, the series shows momentum.