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;

— "Karadag";

— "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 honored fallen soldiers with a moment of silence.

Greetings to the participants were given by the General Secretary of the Ukrainian Football Association Igor Gryshchenko, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Northern TOU of NGU Colonel Oleksandr Podolyan and head coach of Ukraine's veterans national team Eduard Tychmeistruck.

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«Dear soldiers! First and foremost, we want to thank you for your bravery 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 fell for their love of their 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 matter. Today it's sports, tomorrow it's service. But at the heart of everything remains one thing: 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 forever in spirit.

Eternal memory to fallen soldiers! Glory to Ukraine!»

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

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

Playoff

«Karadag» — unit 3030 — 3:2

«Khartyia-1» — unit 3066 — 2:4

Match for third place

unit 3030 — «Khartyia-1» — 1:3

Final

«Karadag» — unit 3066 — 0:1

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

«A very powerful tournament — from the first match to the last. This is probably the first time such intrigue has held throughout.

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 all! It was very pleasant to be a part of this event. Glory to Ukraine!» — said Oleksandr Klimenko.

«I congratulate everyone on this football holiday! The matches were very interesting, — noted Vyacheslav Svidersky. — Teams demonstrated high mastery and self-sacrifice — this truly deserves great respect.

I wish all 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 Kovalevko;

— best defender — Oleksandr Machulin;

— best forward — Oleksandr Drorov;

— best player — Andriy Borsuk.