From 29 November to 2 December, the Russia Taekwondo Championship (deaf sports) took place at the sports complex “Gladiator” in Nalchik. The event gathered 106 participants from 12 regions of the Russian Federation, including the Republics of Adygea, Dagestan, Ingushetia and Tatarstan, the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk and Primorsky Krai, Moscow, Penza, Rostov and Sakhalin Oblasts.

The competitions were held in two main disciplines: kyorugi (fights in weight categories) and poomsae (a series of technical exercises). In kyorugi, medals were awarded in eight weight categories: four men's and four women's. The technical events included both individual performances (men's, women's and mixed teams) and team competitions in the doubles and triples formats.

Andrei Khegai, Head Coach of the Russian National Taekwondo Team: “The competition was held at the highest level of organisation, excellent refereeing, new electronic equipment with video replay system for judging and technically complex actions. The competition was very intense. The number of athletes in all disciplines was more than sufficient. There were new regions. The competition was supposed to be a selection stage for the European Championship. Unfortunately, due to the lack of the necessary number of teams, the European Championship was cancelled, so this event was held for a control cut, as a competitive preparation of athletes and selection of candidates. At this championship we looked at the reserve and main composition of athletes for next year’s Deaflympics in Japan.”

All-team championship:

1st place - Republic of Dagestan

2nd place - Moscow

3rd place - Krasnodar Krai

Results of winners and prize-winners in kyorugi and poomsae can be found at this link.

Text: Nurlan Tazhigulov, Maria Mazhenina

Photo: Askhad Yaganov

Translation: Daria Kudelina