More than a thousand veterans of the Special Military Operation and their relatives are engaged in sports in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      On April 17, 2026, at 16:35 Sports More than a thousand veterans of the Special Military Operation and their family members are engaged in sports and physical culture in the Nizhny Novgorod region. This initiative is developing with the participation of the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation as part of the tasks of the state program "Sport of Russia."

      Sports are seen as an important part of the rehabilitation of servicemen who have suffered serious injuries and are returning to civilian life. One of the key projects has been the "Defenders of the Fatherland Cup" competitions, which have been held since 2023 in collaboration with the Paralympic Committee with the support of the Ministry of Sports of Russia and regional authorities.

      These tournaments not only serve a competitive function but also become a platform for communication and mutual support. Over the years, more than 2,000 veterans from across the country have participated in them. In 2025, the competition stage took place in Dzerzhinsk, gathering over 200 participants from the Volga Federal District.

      The chairperson of the foundation, state secretary – deputy minister of defense of the Russian Federation Anna Tsivileva noted that such competitions help create an environment for experience exchange and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. According to her, work will continue to ensure that veterans and their families have a wide range of sports options regardless of their life circumstances.

      According to the foundation, thanks to joint efforts with the Ministry of Sports of Russia, the Paralympic Committee, and sports federations, more than 6,000 veterans with severe injuries are already engaged in various sports. Moreover, over 750 people are included in the regional teams for adaptive disciplines.

      Participants in the "Defenders of the Fatherland Cup" compete in disciplines for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, including shooting, archery, table tennis, powerlifting, and sitting volleyball. Disciplines for the blind are also represented, such as powerlifting and showdown, as well as sports knife throwing.

      The foundation provides participants with specialized technical rehabilitation means. Sledge hockey is gaining particular popularity among veterans: in 2025, 184 athletes competing in 47 teams received equipment. Additionally, other directions are developing, including wheelchair rugby and backgammon.

      Additional initiatives are also being implemented in the region. For instance, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod region, the project "The Power of Sports for Ours" is underway, within which private clubs offer free classes for veterans and their families — including paddle tennis, boxing, and Muay Thai.

      The state program "Sport of Russia" aims to develop infrastructure, conduct mass events, and increase citizen engagement in physical activity, including participation in the GTO complex. Special attention is paid to supporting veterans of the Special Military Operation and expanding opportunities for their sports activities.

      The "Defenders of the Fatherland" foundation was established by decree of Vladimir Putin and is now represented in all regions of the country.

      For more details on the support provided to the servicemen of the Special Military Operation and their families in the Nizhny Novgorod region, read here.

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When republishing, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.