October 3 at the NTU named after Viktor Bannikov in Kyiv, a traditional charitable tournament "The Cup of Defenders and Defenderesses of Ukraine" dedicated to the Day of Defenders and Defenderesses of Ukraine took place.

The competition was organized with the support of the Ukrainian Football Association, the Pechersky District State Administration in Kyiv City, and the Military Institute of Telecommunications and Informationization named after Heroes of Kalinovka. The tournament partner was PrAT "Obolon'".

Photo by the press service of UAF

Before the start of the matches, participants and guests of the tournament performed the National Anthem of Ukraine and honored the memory of fallen soldiers with a moment of silence. Colonel Grigory Radzivilov, deputy head of the Military Institute of Telecommunications and Informationization named after Heroes of Kalinovka, addressed those present with welcoming words, emphasizing the importance of such sporting events during times when Ukrainian military heroes are defending the country: "Today we not only open a football tournament but also pay tribute to our brave soldiers who defend the sovereignty of the country. I wish all participants team spirit and bright moments on the field. Glory to Ukraine!"

Photo by the press service of UAF

The trophy was contested by four teams:

— Military Institute of Telecommunications and Informationization named after Heroes of Kalinovka;

— Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv;

— National Military Medical Clinical Center "Main Military Hospital";

— Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine team.

Matches were held in a round-robin format with two halves of 15 minutes each.

After intense competition, the victory was won by the team of the Military Institute of Telecommunications and Informationization named after Heroes of Kalinovka. The second place went to the National Military Medical Clinical Center "Main Military Hospital", while bronze medals were awarded to representatives of the Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

The awarding of winners and prize-winners was conducted by General Secretary of the Ukrainian Football Association, Igor Gryshchenko.

Photo by the press service of UAF

"I would like to extend sincere greetings from President of UAF Andriy Shevchenko. On behalf of the entire football community in the country, I congratulate you on Defender's Day and Defenderess' Day. I want to thank you and everyone who defends our state, as thanks to you we continue the fight — the fight for Ukraine's victory in war.

Great gratitude to each person directly or indirectly involved in defending the country, preparing our military, their treatment and recovery. A deep bow to all of you for your dedication and selflessness.

Also, I would like to greet all participants of this tournament. I am convinced that each team is already a winner because through football we unite, distance ourselves from daily challenges and gather for a common goal.

Once again, thank you to everyone — let's move forward together towards our shared victory. Glory to Ukraine,"— said Igor Gryshchenko.

Photo by the press service of UAF

Individual Awards

Best Goalkeeper — Serhiy Bondar (Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine team).

Best Defender — Mykhailo Smovzh (Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv).

Best Forward — Oleh Kolisnyk (National Military Medical Clinical Center "Main Military Hospital").

Best Player — Volodymyr Pastukh (Military Institute of Telecommunications and Informationization named after Heroes of Kalinovka).