An open regional hand-to-hand combat tournament in memory of Vadym Sotnikov was held in Dnipropetrovs'k region.

In Dnipropetrovsk, an Open Regional Hand-to-Hand Combat Tournament in memory of Vadym Sotnikov was held. Athletes from Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Kamianske, Zaporizhia, and Kyiv gathered for the event, as reported by the press service of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration.

"This tournament is a tribute to the memory of the Hero and his comrades from the sports community. In just over a year, Dnipropetrovsk region has lost 25 of its athletes on the front lines. It is our duty to continue their work. We extend our deep respect to Vadym's mother for finding the strength to take care of the cause her son lived for," stated Serhiy Lysak, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration.

He added that Vadym Sotnikov was dedicated to sports, consistently achieving first places at championships and cups. He was a part of the National Team and held a black belt in martial arts. Vadym had raised two sports masters and inspired others to lead a healthy lifestyle. He hailed from Kryvyi Rih.

With the onset of the war, Vadym voluntarily joined the front lines, dedicating himself to Ukraine and its future until his last breath. He lost his life on May 29, 2022, in battles in Luhansk Oblast. He was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage by the President.

The final competition in hand-to-hand combat was attended by 250 participants.