Pavel Cherngoradsky, Ivan Galkin, and Eldana Bolotbekova became the European Mas-Wrestling Absolute Champions

We have already held international competitions in such unconventional venues in Dubai, UAE, and Almaty, Kazakhstan. As yesterday's experience showed, this format is successful and helps attract a wide audience to get acquainted with mas-wrestling.

Twenty-six athletes fr om seven countries—Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, and Uzbekistan—registered to take part in the prestigious event. The competitive rounds were interspersed with a lottery draw for the audience, ensuring the public's attention. Matches featuring the strongest competitors were watched on every floor of the huge shopping complex. The organization was top-notch. All participants in the major event had no reason to complain about the conditions, which were quite comfortable. The referee panel and athletes were situated in an area cordoned off from everyone else. Filming was conducted with three cameras, and a live broadcast was streamed throughout the complex. Additionally, a screen displaying replays of all the bouts was set up at the referees' table, adding objectivity to the decisions being made.

The new absolute category up to 90 kg had the highest number of participants. All the participants were exceptionally well-built physically and attracted increased attention. Collectively, these points confirm the high demand for this category, unlike the women's category, wh ere there were very few participants and the competition was weak. I can agree with the opinion of the authoritative international category referee Egor Ermolaev that it is worth considering the possibility of excluding women from absolute weight categories and establishing an additional one for men.

Twice on this day, the Russian national anthem was played in honor of the absolute European champions in the men's categories. Pavel Chernogradsky from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) achieved an unconditional victory over all worthy opponents. In the super heavyweight category, Kaluga's Ivan Galkin reached an unattainable height by defeating the strongest Kyrgyz batyrs. He secured a personal double in Banská Bystrica. As we remember, a similar feat was accomplished earlier by Erchim Bappagai at the 2023 continental championship in Slovakia. It is noteworthy that both triumphant athletes—Pavel Chernegradsky and Ivan Galkin—are Honored Masters of Sport of Russia in mas-wrestling and today received Yakut knives as prizes, which were kindly provided by Honored Master of Sport, the world's most titled mas-wrestler, Dmitry Popov. All is logical—the best to the best.

The trophies for the absolute European champions were the shields of the victors of sporting battles and a symbol of the spirit of the forest and the hunt, made of silver and brass. The Yakut people have many traditions, rituals, and beliefs associated with hunting. A hunter's luck depends on the spirit of Bayanay, whom the Sakha men worship. The other prize winners received silver items made by Yakut craftsmen, featuring mas-wrestling symbols.

The trophies for the absolute European champions were the shields of the victors of sporting battles and a symbol of the spirit of the forest and the hunt, made of silver and brass. The Yakut people have many traditions, rituals, and beliefs associated with hunting. A hunter's luck depends on the spirit of Bayanay, whom the Sakha men worship. The other prize winners received silver items made by Yakut craftsmen, featuring mas-wrestling symbols.

In the women's category, the holder of the highest title Eldana Bolotbekova received similar gifts - the champion's shield and a symbol of the female deity Iyeikhsit with a kind disposition, who patronizes childbirth and fertility. For second place, Jana Vašková from Slovakia received a silver bracelet with rock carvings found at the Lena Pillars, a UNESCO masterpiece. For third place, Ramina Kochkonbaeva and Anna Borisova were gifted unique silver rings created by Yakut masters of jewelry art.

The award attributes and valuable prizes were provided by the Joint Stock Company "Yakutia Railways" and the group of companies "UTUM+". Yulia Ryasnova, a representative of the largest Far Eastern transport company, personally presented them to the winners.

For the public lottery draw, national mas-wrestling federations provided souvenirs related to the lifestyle and culture of their countries. Thus, visitors to the shopping complex were fortunate to become owners of unique items. Representatives from the countries presented the Kyrgyz white felt headdress "ak kalpak" – a symbol and pride of the nomadic people, a doll in Mexican national dress and spicy chocolate as a reminder that the homeland of coffee and pepper is Mexico, a mug depicting the capital of the Czech Republic – the city of Prague, and a beautiful shot glass with characteristic wavy patterns that are laid out on the pavements in Rio de Janeiro.

The Mongolian delegation presented the Slovaks with a natural leather bag for transporting spirits and a colorful wallet with magnets featuring views of the steppe landscapes. Nemanja Leković from Serbia and Zviadi Gvenetadze from Georgia decided that the city residents must celebrate today and lift their spirits with drinks made from the finest grape varieties.

A musical souvenir featuring the easily recognizable silhouette of St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square, capable of playing the world-famous melody of the Russian folk song "Kalinka-Malinka" when rotated, was presented by the President of the Moscow City Mas-Wrestling Federation. A souvenir from sunny Uzbekistan – a handcrafted ceramic plate depicting majestic minarets with blue domes and richly decorated with oriental patterns – was gifted by Ilgam Kadyrov, President of the Asian Mas-Wrestling Federation.

A musical souvenir featuring the easily recognizable silhouette of St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square, capable of playing the world-famous melody of the Russian folk song "Kalinka-Malinka" when rotated, was presented by the President of the Moscow City Mas-wrestling Federation. A souvenir from sunny Uzbekistan – a handcrafted ceramic plate depicting majestic minarets with blue domes and richly decorated with oriental patterns – was gifted by Ilgam Kadyrov, President of the Asian Mas-wrestling Federation.

The goal of this event was the most noble and peacemaking one – to create a friendly atmosphere in the hall. We hope that mas-wrestling will continue to be associated with positive and kind emotions, and that people will feel a pleasant aftertaste from the seen sports festival, which united so many like-minded people in the heart of Europe.

After the competition, the Slovak side organized a banquet with a cultural program. Folk songs were performed, several types of dances were shown, after which those who wished could learn some dance moves. In the end, it turned into a fun dance party. The unifying Yakut round dance "osuokhai" passed the virtual baton to the Slovak folk dance.

Oliver Kurek and his team left no one unattended. Every athlete, every referee, every representative received a gift bag with the championship logo. The most pleasant surprise was the statement by Oliver Kurek, Vice President of the Slovak Mas-wrestling Association, about the desire to host the next World Championship. Kurek's organizational abilities during these days underwent a total evaluation with high marks from all participating countries. Therefore, the application is considered accepted, but the date depends on the decision of colleagues from the IMWF Presidium. It may be approved for implementation either next year or in 2027.

Slovak colleagues intend to develop mas-wrestling among schoolchildren and student youth. Literally at the end of the month, a youth tournament will take place. So European mas-wrestling is gaining momentum after a period of stagnation that was understandable to everyone. It is important that we support each other in progressive movement. Thank you to our Asian colleagues and friends from other continents. See you again!