From September 15 to 25, Nalchik, in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, hosted the Russian Football Championship (Deaf sports) for players under 22. The tournament saw five youth teams competing: Dagestan, Moscow Oblast, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.

The grand opening was attended by several distinguished guests, including Aslan Anayev, Deputy Minister of Sports of Kabardino-Balkaria, Aslan Mashukov, President of the Kabardino-Balkarian Football Federation, Murat Akhaminov, Chairman of the Kabardino-Balkarian Deaf Sports Federation, and Artem Nesterov, Head of Refereeing for the same organization. The distinguished guests wished everyone a fair, competitive tournament.

“We are focusing on developing sports in the Caucasus, particularly for children. It’s crucial for the growth of Deaf sports,” said the head of the Kabardino-Balkarian Deaf Sports Federation, Murat Akhaminov.

Throughout the week, the five teams faced off in a round-robin format. After the group stage, semi-finals were held between Moscow, Moscow Oblast, St. Petersburg, and Kabardino-Balkaria. Coaches were closely observing the talent, with top performers set to join the Russian national team.

“These players need motivation. Typically, once an athlete makes it to the national team, their skills improve, and they emerge as leaders within their own teams,” explained Sergei Fomichenko, senior coach of the Russian national team.

The final saw Moscow and St. Petersburg in a tightly contested match. The Muscovites scored from a penalty, securing a narrow win to claim the championship. In the bronze medal match, Moscow Oblast triumphed over the host team, Kabardino-Balkaria, with a solid 4-2 victory.

Final standings:

1st place – Moscow

2nd place – St. Petersburg

3rd place – Moscow Oblast

Nikita Grebenyuk from Moscow was named the tournament’s best player, having scored 21 goals. He was awarded a personalized ball from the Russian Football Union, signed by members of the national team. Congratulations!

Text: Nurlan Tazhigulov, Maria Mazhenina
Photos: ARSFSD
Translation: Daria Kudelina