The "Defenders Cup 2023" tournament took place at the V. Bannikov NTK

In Kyiv, a traditional tournament dedicated to Ukraine's Defender of the Year Day was held, which this year was celebrated on October 1.

The "Defenders Cup 2023" tournament took place at the V. Bannikov NTK

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

A traditional tournament dedicated to Ukraine's Defender Day was held in Kyiv on October 1st this year. The event was organized by the Military Institute of Telecommunications and Informationization named after Heroes of Kрут, the Ukrainian Football Association, IA "Center News," and the brand "Obolon."

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

Six teams participated in the tournament: "VITI named after Heroes of Kрут," "VIKNU named after Taras Shevchenko," "Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," "OKPP" (State Border Service), "DPP" (Department of Patrol Police) and "VKZ" (Communications Troops and Cybersecurity).

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

Based on the results of intense matches, the DPP and OKPP teams advanced to the final. In the decisive duel filled with hot sports emotions, spectators saw only one goal scored, which brought victory to the Department of Patrol Police team. The third place was taken by the "VITI named after Heroes of Kрут" team.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

During the opening ceremony and awarding of winners and participants, First Vice-Presidents of UAF Oleg Protasov and Anatoliy Demianenko, as well as Deputy Chief of VITI named after Heroes of Kрут Colonel Vitaliy Tarasov, took part. "The football community is infinitely grateful to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for protecting our country and allowing us to continue playing and developing football in the country," Oleg Protasov noted in his welcoming speech. The association's leaders presented plaques from UAF to representatives of participating teams and wished them success both in football battles and in liberating Ukraine from Russian oppressors.