Kyiv Military Games competition. Photo: strongman.
Kyiv, Ukraine. The capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, hosted one of the largest events for war veterans – the Kyiv Military Games, a comprehensive inclusive competition. This sports festival has not only become an arena for competition, but has also become an important step in supporting veterans through sports and strengthening the patriotic spirit in society, the Time Ukraine Israel news portal reports, citing Podrobnosti.
In the morning, the participants, including veterans, athletes and their families, gathered at the stadium. Their hearts were beating in unison – excitement and passion, against the backdrop of the importance of the event. Each of them has combat experience behind them, and the path to new victories lies ahead.
Serhiy Koshelnikov, a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, shared his experience of the struggle. The soldier, who has been serving since February 2022, has been to the hottest spots of the frontline – near Izyum, Balakliya, and the Liman area. In particular, he was seriously wounded last June in Serebryany forestry, which required more than ten surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation. Despite all the difficulties, Sergiy’s will was not broken, and he continued to fight for his victories – in the sports arena.
From injury to victory in the arena
After complicated surgeries and prosthetics, Sergiy began to actively engage in sports. Training has become not only a way for him to regain his physical fitness, but also to new achievements. “In June 2024, I took part in a competition in Poltava. The result was great, we won prizes. Then there were qualifying competitions in Bukovel and Madrid,” he says. For Sergiy, sports became not just a recovery, but an opportunity to feel part of the team again and continue to compete for medals.
Sergey’s wife, Victoria, is always by his side. She actively supports her husband in training and travelling to competitions, and sometimes she does not refuse to participate in tournaments herself. “I was constantly with him in hospitals, and after the injury he started training in the gym. At first it was arm-wrestling, but later he was invited to join the team,” says Viktoriia.
The 17th year of the Kyiv Military Games: Competition for all
This year’s competition was the 17th in a row. This time, however, the organisers made it even more inclusive. The competition was open not only to veterans and active military personnel, but also to their families. Even children could be included in the teams, which added family spirit and even more unity to the event.
Scale and significance of the event
The chief judge of the competition, world strongman champion Vasyl Virastiuk, noted that about 200 participants took part in the competition. The competition was held in various disciplines, from bench press to archery and kettlebell lifting. According to him, such competitions are not only sporting but also socially important, as they help veterans adapt to civilian life and promote team spirit and support for each other.
Sport as a tool for rehabilitation of veterans
“Sport is an excellent tool for socialising veterans,” said Serhiy Konyushok, President of the Strongmen Federation of Ukraine, “Veterans need recognition, and sport gives them this opportunity. At competitions, he feels needed, feels the support of like-minded people, and this helps him understand why he sacrificed his health on the battlefield.”
Looking to the future: plans for the coming years
The organisers of the competition are already planning the next edition. They emphasise that each of the participants of the Kyiv Military Games is fighting not only for medals, but also for the feeling of being part of a great team, for the opportunity to believe in their own strength and restore their faith in themselves. And this struggle is no less important than victory in the sports arena.
