This is the first time the DNSS has been used in the development of canoeing and kayaking in Azerbaijan, initiated through a collaboration between the Azerbaijan National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Azerbaijan Canoeing and Rowing Federation (ACRF).

The aim of the project is to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the current situation, considering the potential and existing opportunities and gaps, in order to improve the coaching education, infrastructure and athlete development systems for canoeing and kayaking in Azerbaijan. 

As part of this important and ambitious project, Alexander Nikonorov, an international expert who was born in Ukraine and now representing the UK, was personally invited to Azerbaijan. His programme included a visit to the Baku Rowing and Canoeing Sports Club, where he assessed the current facilities and met local coaches and other staff to discuss the challenges they face and the key development goals for the sport in the coming years.

During his mission to the Eurasian country, Nikonorov travelled to Mingachevir and several other regions of Azerbaijan to inspect the existing infrastructure and facilities. His meetings with federation staff and visits to sports schools enabled him to assess the real needs of these facilities. These regional visits also helped the expert group to explore the possibility of establishing new training ones in the future.

Such visits underline the close cooperation efforts between local sports authorities and international sports bodies to promote the development of canoeing, kayaking and rowing in all areas of Azerbaijan.

The initial insights, findings and recommendations were discussed in detail with the Azerbaijani National Olympic Committee and the Azerbaijan Canoeing and Rowing Federation leadership on the final day to determine the next steps for Alexander Nikonorov's second visit to the country.