Nizhny Novgorod veterans of the Special Military Operation won three medals at the "Defenders of the Fatherland" Cup.

      07 October 2025 17:42 Society

      Nizhny Novgorod athletes won three medals at the regional integrated physical culture event for veterans of the Special Military Operation (SMO), the "Defenders of the Fatherland Cup", which took place in the city of Kovrov in Vladimir Oblast.

      In table tennis (standing class) Alexander Baryshnikov took 2nd place, Dmitry Pankratov took 3rd place; in swimming (class SH2) Nikolai Spivakov was awarded 2nd place.

      A total of more than 140 veterans from 15 regions, including from Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, took part in the "Defenders of the Fatherland Cup". The strongest athletes were determined in powerlifting, table tennis, shooting, darts, swimming, sport knife throwing and sitting volleyball.

      "SMO veterans once again proved that nothing is impossible for them. Our heroes show by their example that even after severe injuries one can live actively, conquer new heights, including in sports. Over the past year the demand for holding regional and even municipal 'Defenders of the Fatherland Cup' competitions has grown significantly, and we fully support such initiatives. After all, sport is one of the most effective ways of rehabilitation and resocialization of veterans. Regular training helps restore physical fitness, strengthen health and psychological well-being, and also contributes to the development of team spirit and social activity," said State Secretary — Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation and chair of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund Anna Tsivileva.

      In Nizhny Novgorod Oblast special attention is paid to the rehabilitation of SMO veterans through sport. They participate in master classes and regional competitions in various sports.

      "The number of SMO veterans attending free training in our state and municipal sports institutions is steadily growing, and consequently sporting results are improving. We already have clear leaders in individual sports, several teams have been formed in team sports — in amputee football, sitting volleyball and sledge hockey. They represent our region with dignity. All this is part of a systematic effort for the rehabilitation and social adaptation of SMO veterans through sport. We are proud of our athletes and will certainly continue to create the necessary conditions for them," said Dmitry Kabaylo, Minister of Sport of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast.

      Sport becomes a source of motivation for veterans, helping the defenders of the Fatherland regain self-confidence, reveal their potential and set new goals. Veterans form teams, meet comrades on sports grounds, exchange experiences, communicate and find their place in civilian life — this is the main goal of holding the "Defenders of the Fatherland Cup" competitions across the country.

      "Our SMO veterans have already taken part in several 'Defenders of the Fatherland Cups' across the country — from Khanty-Mansiysk to Dzerzhinsk. Each competition is a new overcoming of oneself, a new victory. We rejoice for our guys after each competition and sincerely support them — for us they are always winners. There was intense competition in Kovrov, but the Nizhny Novgorod athletes coped with dignity and returned home with three medals," shared Ekaterina Generalova, head of the Nizhny Novgorod branch of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund.

      Recall, the State Fund "Defenders of the Fatherland" was created by Decree of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. Its main purpose is the personal support of SMO veterans and their family members. Specialists and social coordinators of the fund help the defenders not only with medical and social rehabilitation, but also with retraining and employment, provide legal support, adapt housing to their needs and provide long‑term home care. The fund is headed by State Secretary — Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Anna Tsivileva. The fund's branches operate in all regions of Russia.

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