Ukrainian Defense Forces Take Out Russian Athletics Champion and Football Coach

Elimination of Russian Occupiers

According to Главком: Ukrainian defense forces have neutralized two Russian soldiers: Vsevolod Tarasov and Georgiy Kamalov. Tarasov, a native of Yakutia, served as a military advisor and had a background in sports. In 2024, he became the Russian champion in the triple jump for athletes with intellectual disabilities and held the title of Candidate Master of Sports in Russia. At just 21 years old, Tarasov worked as a CrossFit coach and fought in Russia’s war against Ukraine under the call sign 'Hunter.' Initially reported missing, he was confirmed killed on January 30, 2026, in Huliaipole, Zaporizhzhia region.

Circumstances of Death

Also eliminated was 46-year-old Georgiy Kamalov. Kamalov played for the team 'Era Vladivostok' from 2003 to 2011, but ended his playing career due to injury. He then transitioned into coaching, starting within the 'Era' system. In recent years, he worked with the football club 'Anri,' leading them to compete at the level of the Russian Cup.

“He was up to his ears in debt. That’s why he signed the contract. He paid off the debt with the signing bonus. But then he had to go fight. And die. At 46 years old. That’s the grim reality. While some people are waiting for the Champions League draw and the FIFA World Cup, a football coach from the Russian hinterlands went off and got himself killed.”

Dmytro Nizovtsev

The deaths of Tarasov and Kamalov highlight not just individual tragedies but also the broader situation in the war, where people who had successful sports careers were forced to join the military. This shows how the conflict has impacted various segments of society, disrupting their lives and careers. These cases serve as a stark reminder of the war’s human cost and its far-reaching consequences for the entire community.

The tragic fates of Tarasov and Kamalov are not isolated incidents. In fact, they reflect a larger trend where individuals from the sports world are being drawn into military conflicts. For more insights on the impact of war on sports professionals, see how other football coaches have faced similar fates.