December 10, on World Football Day, an Open Cup of the Kyiv Garrison of Ukraine's National Guard took place at the capital's NTI named after V. Bannikov in memory of fallen heroes of Ukraine.

The tournament brought together teams from military units and subdivisions that competed for a prestigious trophy and honored those who gave their lives for freedom and independence of the state.

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The following teams participated:

— unit 3066;

— unit 3114;

— "Kara-Dag";

— "Khartyia-2";

— unit 2260;

— unit 3073;

— unit 3030;

— unit 3078;

— unit 3101;

— "Khartyia-1";

— unit 3001;

— "Azov-1".

After performing the Ukrainian National Anthem, those present observed a moment of silence in memory of fallen soldiers.

Addressing the participants were General Secretary of the Ukrainian Football Association Igor Gryshchenko, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Northern Operational Directorate of the National Guard Colonel Oleksandr Podolyan and head coach of Ukraine's veterans national team Eduard Tsykhmeystruk.

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«Dear soldiers! First and foremost, we want to thank you for your courage and heroism in defending our country under constant aggression. The UFA fulfills its social function — supporting events that honor fallen heroes while also helping you gain positive emotions and a break from the horrors of war. Symbolically, the tournament is taking place on World Football Day. Today, sports are not only about competition but also an important tool for social rehabilitation and support. We wish everyone fair play. Glory to Ukraine!» — said Igor Gryshchenko.

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«Dear soldiers, dear participants and guests! — addressed the audience Oleksandr Podolyan. — Today we are holding a tournament in memory of our comrades who died for their love of country. These were people who remained loyal to their oath, units, and state until the end.

We honor them not just with moments of silence or words. We continue their cause — standing together, supporting each other, holding the line where our strength is needed, and remaining united in any endeavor. Today it's sports, tomorrow it's service. But at the heart of everything remains brotherhood, discipline, and respect.

I ask all participants to conduct the competition honestly, with dignity and mutual respect. Remember that every action we take is a tribute to those who are no longer here but remain with us in spirit forever.

Eternal memory to fallen soldiers! Glory to Ukraine!»

«I want to thank you for your courage and wish you a good, uncompromising fight without injuries. May the strongest prevail! Glory to Ukraine!» — said Eduard Tsykhmeystruk.

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According to the tournament rules, teams were divided into three groups of four participants each. Based on the results of the group stage, winners of quartets and the best second-place team advanced to the semifinals. Matches consisted of two halves of 10 minutes with a five-minute break.

Playoff

«Kara-Dag» — unit 3030 — 3:2

«Khartyia-1» — unit 3066 — 2:4

Match for third place

unit 3030 — «Khartyia-1» — 1:3

Final

«Kara-Dag» — unit 3066 — 0:1

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During the closing ceremony, the participants were addressed by the head of the sports club of the National Guard Oleksandr Klymenko and former national team player turned veteran's team footballer Vyacheslav Svidersky.

«A very strong tournament — from the first match to the last. This is probably the first time such intrigue has been maintained.

I congratulate the winners, prize-winners and all participants. This tournament, like others, is primarily a reminder of those who are no longer with us today, and we must honor their memory through such events.

Thank you to everyone! It was very pleasant to be a part of this event. Glory to Ukraine!» — said Oleksandr Klymenko.

«Congratulations to all on this football holiday! The matches were very interesting, — noted Vyacheslav Svidersky. — Teams demonstrated high skill and self-sacrifice — this truly deserves great respect.

I wish everyone the most important thing — that peace comes to our country as soon as possible. Glory to Ukraine!»

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Individual awards:

— best goalkeeper — Mykhailo Kovalenko;

— best defender — Oleksandr Machulin;

— best forward — Oleksandr Drorov;

— best player — Andriy Borsuk.