TASHKENT, August 1. /Dunyo IA/. As part of the programme of the Informal Consultative Meeting, the heads of state of Central Asia and Azerbaijan today attended the official opening ceremony of the Kyrgyzstan Grand Prix in powerboat racing, held on Lake Issyk-Kul, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan, the leaders welcomed the participants and guests of the competition.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, together with his spouse, watched the athletes’ qualifying race.

The Grand Prix is the second stage of the F1H2O World Championship, known as the “Formula 1 on water”, held under the auspices of the International Powerboating Union. Professional teams and athletes from various countries participate in the championship every year. This marks the first time that a stage of the world championship has been held in Central Asia.

The competition programme includes training sessions, qualifying races and the main race featuring high-speed boats capable of reaching speeds of over 220 kilometres per hour.