Volgograd Hosts National Youth Spartakiad Amid Victory Anniversary Celebrations
volgograd, Russia – july 2, 2025 – A solemn ceremony marking the final stage of the Spartakiad among pre-conscription youth commenced today on the historic Mamaev Kurgan in Volgograd. The large-scale, all-Russian competitions are dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, a pivotal moment in Russian history [[1]].For the third consecutive year,Volgograd is hosting the youth Spartakiad final,welcoming over 500 participants aged 14-17 from across the Russian Federation. Many of these young athletes have trained at patriotic national centers and represent teams victorious from regional qualifying stages [[2]].
The competition will test participants’ skills in a diverse range of disciplines, including strength tests (pull-ups, weight throwing), speed and endurance events (60m, 3km runs, swimming), marksmanship with pneumatic rifles, and practical military skills such as the disassembly and assembly of the Kalashnikov AK-74 automatic rifle, as well as drill training.
Events will be held at several venues throughout the Volgograd region, including the VGAFK stadium, Loginov Stadium in Volzhsky, the Volzhsky memory park, and the DOSAAF of Russia in Volgograd’s Voroshilovsky district. The Spartakiad will conclude on July 9th, with the Volgograd region represented by a team from the Alekseevsky district.
Vladimir Popkov, Chairman of the Committee for Physical Culture and Sports of the Volgograd Region, emphasized the event’s significance, stating it aims to “raise patriots of our country” and combine sports and military training to prepare young people for national defense. He highlighted the symbolic importance of holding the opening ceremony on Mamaev Kurgan,especially in the years commemorating the Defender of the Fatherland,the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War victory,and the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad [[3]].
The opening ceremony featured a parade of participants and the playing of the Russian national anthem. A message from Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev was delivered by Alexander Filyushkin, Deputy Director for Sports Work of the Federal Sports Reserve training Center, underscoring the Spartakiad’s role in fostering strong, patriotic youth ready to defend their homeland.