From July 1 to 4 in Nalchik (Kabardino-Balkarian Republic), at the base of a universal sports complex, the Russian taekwondo championship among men and women took place.

The event gathered 107 participants from 13 regions of the Russian Federation, including the republics of Adygea, Dagestan, Ingushetia and Tatarstan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Krasnodar and Krasnoyarsk territories, Moscow, Penza, Rostov, Sakhalin, Moscow and Kemerovo oblasts. The last two regions participated for the first time in such an important tournament, which is pleasing and speaks about the development and growth of this sport.

At the opening ceremony was attended by OSFSG President Dmitry Rebrov, Deputy Minister of Sports of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Aslan Anaev, President of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Taekwondo Federation, representative of the President of Russia in the North Caucasus Federal District Azret-Ali Shakarov, senior coach of the Russian national taekwondo team Andrei Khegai. The esteemed guests cordially welcomed all attendees and participants of the tournament, expressing their hope for fair and unyielding competition. After that, they observed a minute of silence in memory of Roman Kuikov, the senior coach of the Russian national taekwondo team, who had passed away prematurely. At the end of his speech, Dmitry Rebrov presented Aslan Anaev with commemorative gifts from the Federation.

Athletes battled on budo mats in various weight categories. Men contended in 58 kg, 68 kg, 80 kg, and over 80 kg. Women faced off in 49 kg, 57 kg, 67 kg, and over 67 kg. The strongest competitors earned their places on the podium after enduring rigorous selection. Taekwondo is not just martial art but also unique sports discipline combining physical power, graceful technique and strategy.

While taekwondo athletes were determining their standings, high-ranking guests from Moscow visited the newly built Academy of Sport at the invitation of Amir Akhmetov, deputy chairman of the Kabardino-Balkarian parliament's education, science, physical culture, and youth committee. They inspected the modern complex, "Five Rings," and interacted with the athletes training there. The facility, with its appealing architecture, includes various open-air areas, gyms, and essential rooms in a two-story building. This sports and entertainment centre, constructed without state funding through private sponsorship, offers a diverse range of activities. Enthusiasts and professionals can engage in boxing, taekwondo, freestyle wrestling, judo, and football. The name "Five Rings" reflects the focus on these five Olympic sports.

Federation leaders convened a meeting with coaches from all regions competing in the championship. They discussed ways to enhance the development of taekwondo in various parts of the country.

Results

The next day, the poomsae competitions commenced, featuring individual, mixed doubles, and trios events. The intense rivalry unfolded between four regions: Moscow, the Republic of Dagestan, the Krasnodar Territory, and the Rostov Region.

Against the backdrop of long-standing and numerous capital city and Dagestani leaders in taekwondo, a rising star has emerged: Veronika Karabanova from Tatarstan. Her flawless technique in the 67+ kg category has left everyone in awe.

Overall Team Standings:

1. Republic of Dagestan - 115.5 points

2. City of Moscow - 103 points

3. Krasnodar Territory - 67 points

Andrei Khegai, Senior Coach of Russian National Taekwondo Team:

“The Russian Championship was conducted at a wonderful organizational level. We express gratitude to OSFSG President Dmitry Rebrov, as well as all employees involved in organizing this event.

For two days, fierce competition unfolded on the courts, pushing athletes and coaches to their limits in technical, physical, and mental endurance. The result pleased all taekwondo fans. Alongside renowned athletes, yesterday's juniors demonstrated their skills and successfully competed with mature athletes. Based on the results of the competition, the coaching staff has formed candidates for the national team.”

PHOTO ALBUM  

Text: Nurlan Tajigulov

Photo: Askhad Yaganov

Translation: Daria Kudelina