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Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty
Henry M. Robert

You Give Us Money, We Win You Medals

14 April, 1998 - 00:00

By Oleksandr HAY

Two important events have taken place recently in Ukrainian unarmed self-defense, the national championship in Lutsk and the Cup play off in Kyiv. This sport, although not in the Olympics, is very popular in Ukraine. There is no world championship, from which our athletes could take medals.

Under the management of Ukraine’s head trainer Oleksandr Naukhatko, the key to success has been found, and none of his trainees have been knocked in the head.

Q: Mr. Naukhatko, are you satisfied with the results of the tournament?

A: I am very happy for Rostyslav Borysenko, Oleksandr Zhuravel, Svitlana Buriak, and Tetiana Chorna from Kyiv, as well as for and Andriy Sieroshtanov from Sevastopol, Mykhailo Bakin from Kerch, and others. They are the backbone of our national team, which will take part in the European Championship in Siaulihi in a two weeks. The only thing I am worried about is whether we will find money to go, but I am personally convinced that we will.

Q: The Cup of Ukraine play off is a personal-team event. Still, after the championship in Yugoslavia, the first European club tournament will take place. Who will represent Ukraine there?

A: Ukraine will be represented by its champions, Hart (Tempering) male club from Kyiv, coached by Volodymyr Vynohradov, and female National Internal Affairs Academy club, coached by Marsel Khasanov.

Q: Clubs abroad are sponsored by rich companies. And what about Ukraine?

A: We are also looking for sponsors. There are already such clubs in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Donetsk, Khmelnytsky, and Kharkiv oblasts. I also expect that the State Sports Committee will also not remain on the sidelines.

Photo by Volodymyr Rasner, The Day:

Kyiv native Oleksandr Zhuravel (Hart), champion of Ukraine, and Cup winner in The 74 kg Category

 

By Oleksandr HAY
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