Athletes from 12 Ukrainian Regions Compete in Zaporizhzhia at Major Artem Prysiazhniuk Memorial Sambo Tournament

National Sambo Tournament Held in Zaporizhzhia

According to Спортивний комітет: A national Sambo tournament was held in Zaporizhzhia to honor the memory of Major Artem Prysiazhniuk. The competition drew athletes from 12 regions of Ukraine, who competed across two age categories: cadets (14–16 years old) and juniors (16–18 years old). This annual tournament, first held in 2023, commemorates Artem Prysiazhniuk, who was killed in December 2022 during intense artillery fire and aerial bombardment by Russian occupying forces. Sambo, a martial art developed in the Soviet Union, is now practiced worldwide and remains particularly popular in Ukraine.

The Life and Legacy of Artem Prysiazhniuk

Artem Prysiazhniuk was born in the town of Yakymivka in Zaporizhzhia region and trained in boxing, Sambo, and hand-to-hand combat. He held the title of Candidate for Master of Sports of Ukraine and served in the ranks of Ukraine's military intelligence. Details of his life and combat service are preserved on the "Sporting Angels" website, a project by Ukraine's Sports Committee dedicated to fallen Ukrainian athletes.

In the team standings for cadets (under 16), first place was secured by the team from Kyiv, second place went to Rivne region, and third place was taken by Khmelnytskyi region. In the junior competition (under 18), the team from Kyiv also claimed victory, followed by Chernihiv region in second place, with Rivne region finishing third.

The Artem Prysiazhniuk Memorial Tournament not only fosters a competitive spirit among youth but also serves as a poignant reminder of the heroism of Ukrainian soldiers who gave their lives for their country's independence. For all participants, the event was significant, allowing them to showcase their skills while honoring the memory of those lost on the front lines. Such initiatives strengthen patriotic sentiment and unite young people from across Ukraine, building unity and solidarity during a challenging period in the nation's history.