Nizhny Novgorod residents said goodbye to sports journalist Vladimir Smirnov.

      On July 21, a farewell ceremony for the chief editor of the sports department of the NNTV television and radio company, Vladimir Smirnov, took place at the Spassky Old Fair Cathedral. The mourning ceremony gathered hundreds of people: not only close friends and colleagues came to say goodbye to the master of sports television journalism, but also devoted fans of his work who grew up on his reports. It should be noted that Vladimir Smirnov passed away on July 18 at the age of 59. Standing at the origins of legendary sports programs, he was a true master of his craft, enthusiastically sharing his experience with the younger generation of sports journalists. In a report by NNTV, the head of the regional Ministry of Sports, Dmitry Kabailo, called his departure a huge loss for Nizhny Novgorod sports and regional journalism, noting that "it is hard to imagine a person more immersed in sports in the Nizhny Novgorod region." Earlier, it became known about the passing of Nizhny Novgorod dentist and Honored Health Worker of the Russian Federation, Sergey Balnov. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+