About the 2025 European Mas-wrestling Championship

The vice-president of the Slovak Mas-wrestling Association, world mas-wrestling champion Oliver Kurek, made a report on this issue.

"I received the news about the cancellation of the planned European Championship in Georgia with great regret. As an active participant in this sport, I fully understand that the continuity of top-level competitions is absolutely essential for the growth of mas-wrestling in Europe. We cannot allow the European Championship to be canceled for the next time – it would be a major setback for the sport and its popularity across the continent, - started Kurek. Therefore, I am ready once again to take responsibility and offer Slovakia as a replacement host of the European Championship in 2025. We have sufficient experience. In 2023, the 2023 European Championships in various age categories were successfully held in the city of Brezno with the support of Mayor Tomas Abel. In agreement with President Jan Matej, I propose to hold it in the first decade of November in the city of Banská Bystrica. In 2017, it was awarded the title of European City of Sport. There is excellent infrastructure and numerous hotels to suit every need. We will provide the best conditions for everyone».

In Slovakia, there is a distinctly respectful attitude towards Russia and our shared history. In the city, there is a Memorial to the fallen Soviet soldiers who liberated Slovakia fr om fascist occupants during the Great Patriotic War. The monument stands in the very center of the main square in Banská Bystrica. It is carefully maintained and renovated, unlike in other European countries. With the aim of preserving historical truth and memory of the heroes of World War II, the pro-Russian organization "Brother for Brother" conducts its activities. All of this is extremely important for the upbringing of youth, and it is especially significant in the year of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.

Oliver Kurek shared the details of the proposed venue. Competitions in seventeen weight categories for men and women will be held in the Dukla sports hall, which fully meets international standards and regularly hosts major sporting events.

In addition to the open championship among men and women, an absolute championship will be held. The Open European Mas-wrestling Championship in the absolute weight category will take place in an unusual location - inside a shopping center with the symbolic name "Europe", on a platform wh ere public events for the population are held - cultural and sports holidays. The Europe Shopping Center is located in close proximity to the sports hall where the main mas-wrestling meetings will take place.

The host party promises within the competition performances by artists and a folk ensemble to familiarize visiting participants with the unique Slovak culture.

The championship dates are scheduled for November 6-10, 2025, with the following program:

November 6 (Thursday) – arrival day

November 7 (Friday):

- morning: registration and official weighing of participants.

- evening: ceremonial drawing of lots for the absolute championship participants at the Europa Shopping Center.

November 8 (Saturday):

- matches in all weight categories all day;

- ceremonial awarding.

November 9 (Sunday):

- absolute championship;

- ceremonial awarding;

- banquet.

November 10 (Monday) – departure day.

Oliver Kurek's initiative has been approved by the president of the Slovak Mas-wrestling Association, Jan Matej, and has received support from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Slovak Republic. The relevant department is taking under its umbrella the European Mas-wrestling Championships and is ready to assist with funding and communication with the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Slovakia, which can significantly help with visa issues for Russian participants.

" I firmly believe that this initiative will not only preserve the continuity of the European Championship but also contribute to the real growth and promotion of mas-wrestling across Europe. In Slovakia, we view this sport with passion and respect – and now we have the opportunity to prove that we can host an event worthy of the European title," said Oliver Kurek, concluding his speech. "Thank you for your trust – I believe we can move our sport forward together."

Well, the application from the Slovak Mas-wrestling Association is indeed worthy, and the arguments presented are strong. Let's get to work!