From July 2 to 3, Sukhum (Republic of Abkhazia) became the center of attraction for koresh enthusiasts, hosting an international koresh competition.
On July 2, the opening ceremony and preliminary bouts took place at the Sergei Bagapsh Sports Palace. The participants and guests were welcomed by Tarash Khagba, Vice Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Committee for Youth and Sports of the Republic of Abkhazia; Khalil Shaikhutdinov, First Deputy Minister of Sports of the Republic of Tatarstan; and Ravil Nogumanov, Chairman of the Presidium of the International Koresh Federation.
The finals were held on July 3 as part of the Sabantuy national festival on the Makhajirs Embankment. A unique feature of the event was that the decisive bouts took place on a sand arena by the seashore.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including:
Sergey Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation;
Badra Gunba, President of the Republic of Abkhazia;
Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The strongest batyrs from various regions of Russia and other countries competed for the title. Azat Gabdrashitov became the Absolute Batyr of the tournament after defeating Abkhazia's Inal Gadeliya in the final bout. In recognition of his outstanding performance, determination, and technical excellence, he was presented with the tournament's grand prize—a Lada Granta—by Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Congratulations to all the winners and medalists, and sincere thanks to the organizers for delivering an outstanding sporting celebration!