The men’s and women’s preliminary bouts were held on the second day of the BRICS Games boxing competitions at the Boxing and Table Tennis Centre.
Following the results of the bouts, Ilya Popov (63.5 kg) of Russia, the winner of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games; Nabi Isgandarov (67 kg), multiple champion of Azerbaijan; Lyudmila Voroncova of Russia, silver medallist of the 2019 World Championship; Turabek Khabibullaev (80 kg) of Uzbekistan, bronze medallist of the 2022 Asian Games; Nigina Uktamova of Uzbekistan, winner of the 2021 World Youth Championships; Arshak Tovmasyan (60 kg) and Anna Aedma (52 kg), Russian champions; and some others made it to the Semi-Finals.
Four sets of medals were awarded in team disciplines on the second day of the BRICS Games canoe sprint competitions. Ivan Epishin and Vasiliy Pogreban (Russia) won gold in the 500-metres kayaking, while Dmitriy Sharov and Mikhail Pavlov (Russia) were the fastest in canoeing. The final canoe race among women was won by Marina Gureeva and Ekaterina Shlyapnikova from Russia, whereas athletes from Belarus took the whole podium in kayaking: Volha Khudzenka and Maryna Litvinchuk became champions.
“Only the weather is failing so far: the wind direction can be such that some athletes have advantages on the first lanes. But this should not hinder the strongest“, Volha Khudzenka said after the victory. “The first time we were in Kazan was at the Universiade. We came straight from the London Olympics, and the organisation here was way better. And today, the main start of the season for us is the BRICS Games.”
Third chess competition day came to an end in IT Park named after Bashir Rameev.
One set of medals was awarded today in the Rapid Chess mixed doubles discipline. Gold medals were won by the Russian team (Vladislav Artemiev, Andrey Esipenko, Kateryna Lagno, Valentina Gunina), second place and silver medals of the BRICS Games went to the Chinese team (Jinshi Bai, Xiangyu Xu, Qi Guo, Yuxin Song), bronze medals were won by chess players from Uzbekistan (Abdimalik Abdisalimov, Saidakbar Saydaliev, Umida Omonova, Marjona Malikova)
“On the one hand, and it’s obvious, when you play as a team there are certain unspoken rules, each member of the team is responsible for the result: if you lose, you feel guilty; on the other hand, there are some advantages, you don’t always have to play individual matches. Today was tough, the game left room for improvement, there were both good moments and bad; tomorrow we must definitely do better. The BRICS Games is a great endeavour and a great event for Kazan. You can see that long preparations have been made, the whole city is transformed, more beautiful. The organisation is at the highest level, everything is excellent”, Russian grandmaster Vladislav Artemiev shared his thoughts after today’s victory.
Four sets of medals in equestrian sports were awarded at Kazan International Equestrian Sports Complex.
Athletes from seven countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Mongolia, Turkey, Indonesia, and Kyrgyzstan, gave their performances in dzhigitovka.
Yernat Sultan from Kazakhstan (115.2 points) and his horse Appolon won the gold medal of the BRICS Games in the individual event, while the Russians Grigoriy Feofanov (114.9) and Kirill Nefedov (110.7) took the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
The hosts of the Games took gold in the team event. The Russian team (Grigoriy Feofanov / Kirill Nefedov) scored 5 points on the sum of places. Silver went to Kazakhstan (Yernat Sultan / Zhalgasbek Suleimenkulov, 6 points), and bronze went to Belarus (Ilya Datskevich / Mikalai Platnitski, 13 points).
“The organisers of the BRICS Games modified the dzhigitovka discipline slightly so that foreign athletes could adapt to the rules, as the disciplines are different in Russia and abroad. It would’ve been quite hard for other participants to adjust to new conditions in such short terms. We’d like to praise the Kazakhs: they performed very well, passed all the stages. We performed okay in dzhigitovka, considering the fact that everyone received their horses here already. It’s standard practice for international starts, everyone is on an equal footing. In this respect, the horses are like cars, for example; we get used to them pretty quickly”, Grigoriy Feofanov and Kirill Nefedov spoke about the subtleties of dzhigitovka competitions, based on their performances at the BRICS Games.
The second session of the competition day treated the spectators to the tent pegging competitions. The main favourites of this discipline were athletes from South Africa (Willem Petrus Nortje / Norman Jim Mostert, 42 points) and the State of Kuwait (Mohammad Alajmi / Abdullah Alhendi, 35.5 points), who won gold and silver in the team event, respectively. Bronze medals went to the Belarusian team (Ilya Datskevich / Mikalai Platnitski, 34 points).
In the individual event, Fedor Efimov of Russia won gold (79 points), Norman Jim Mostert of South Africa took silver (77.5), and Ihar Piasetski of Belarus took bronze (71.5).
“This is our first time in Russia, in Kazan. We loved everything in terms of organisation, Russia and Kazan made really good arrangements for the athletes. This BRICS Games were the first for us, and it’s definitely great that we’re taking part in a competition of this scale. The level of competitors in tent pegging was alright, everyone was ready for the conditions of the competition. I don’t think there were weak opponents for us here. Many of the favourites were really competent, you can tell that they’ve competed at such events already, as held here in Kazan”, said Norman Jim Mostert, the BRICS gold medallist representing South Africa.
In fencing, all first places were taken by athletes from Russia, just as on the first day of the individual event. In the foil tournament, Kirill Borodachev took gold after defeating his compatriot, Timur Safin, in the Finals. “The level of competition is good. Representatives of various countries came, they have their own marks, we have ours, everyone has room to grow. But you can see that the guys are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I wish them success. I dedicate my victory to everyone who supported me, to my coaches and relatives”, Kirill Borodachev said. “The scale of the BRICS Games is immense, I’m in awe.” Mukhammad Yusuf Asranov of Uzbekistan and Anton Borodachev of Russia took bronze in this discipline.
The results were the same among the sabre fencers: the Finals were held between the Russians, with Dmitrii Danilenko snatching victory from Kirill Tyulyukov in equal sparring. “No words, just a storm of different feelings. I spent the whole year preparing for these competitions, qualifying. I came here and won. It’s amazing. Life can’t be better. I just had a baby boy. So, I dedicate this victory to my wife and my son”, said Dmitrii. “I think it’s no secret that Russia holds the best competitions in the world. The organisation here is excellent, as always, up to par.” Musa Aymuratov of Uzbekistan and Kamil Ibragimov of Russia took bronze in the sabre tournament.
In the women’s épée tournament, the Russians Tatiana Gudkova defeated Milen Bavuge Khabimana in the Finals. Aliaksandra Tsurskaya (Belarus) and Ayzanat Murtazaeva (Russia) won bronze.
The games of the phygital football group stage took place on the first day of this BRICS Games competition. The first match gave the fans a penalty shootout: Cuba and Vietnam finished the digital and physical stages with a 4:4 score. But in the penalty shootout, the Cubans were stronger, scoring 3:1 and winning the opening match.
The second meeting had Russia confidently beating South Ossetia with a 18:2 score. Abkhazia defeated Iran with a 8:5 score, while the team from Kazakhstan was stronger than Brazil, one of the tournament favourites (5:4).
“We liked the phygital football format overall, it’s something interesting and new for us. Usually, we play classic “futsal”, and here there are big gates, smaller fields, and there are boards. Very interesting; we’re still getting used to it while trying to give our best”, said Vladislav Chernomordov, the player of the Kazakh team. “The atmosphere at the Games is incredible. A special thanks to the fans for coming to support not only the tournament hosts, but also Kazakhstan, their neighbours and brothers. We are very grateful.”
The main time in the match between the teams of Cuba and Belarus ended with the score of 10:10, but the Cubans had a good deal of luck in the penalty shootout again, scoring 8:7, achieving victory, and getting to the Quarter-Finals.
The Russian national team has also secured the play-offs: it defeated Venezuela with a 15:4 score. The match between Abkhazia and Uzbekistan ended with a score of 10:10, and the outcome of the match was again decided by a penalty shootout for the third time this day. Athletes from Uzbekistan were more successful.
Qualifications in the individual routine for juniors and seniors took place during the BRICS Games rhythmic gymnastics competitions on Thursday.
Among the seniors, Russia’s rising rhythmic gymnastics star, Anna Popova, was the best in three events at once: she won the ball (36.050 points), clubs (35.800), and without apparatus (38.900). Russia’s Mariya Borisova (36.350), representing the “Sky Grace” team, took first place in the hoop exercise. Diana Chugunikhina (33.850), representing the Russian national team, was unrivalled in the ribbon exercise. The Finals in individual routines will be held on 22 June.
All-round competitions and qualifications for the Individual All-Around Finals in group routines and the Individual All-Round Finals in individual routines will be held on 21 June.
Twelve sets of medals were awarded to the BRICS Games participants on the third day of the swimming competitions. Just like in the previous days, the national teams of Russia, Belarus, and Brazil have shown the best results.
Young Russian swimmer Miron Lifintsev won the second gold medal of the BRICS Games in the 50 metres backstroke. Ilya Shymanovich of Belarus was the fastest in the same distance for breaststroke. Anastasiya Kuliashova (Belarus) won the 50 metres butterfly among women.
Russian athlete Roman Zhidkov won the 100 metres freestyle. Alina Zmushka (Belarus) was the best at the same distance in breaststroke: this is her second gold at the current BRICS Games. “I won this distance quite easily, but I’d like to have done better. I feel a little tired, but overall I’m satisfied“, the two-time gold medallist commented. “The preparation process was not easy. My coach and I experimented with adjustments to technique and strength training and monitored the results from start to start.”
Another Belarusian athlete, Anastasiya Shkurdai, won gold in the 100 metres backstroke, while Sofia Diakova of Russia won the 200 metres freestyle: her second gold in two days.
“I’ve improved my time, it’s not bad, it’s decent, but I always want to do better. This season I’ll try to perfect my results even more. Today was my last performance, two golds in two days is splendid, I’m very happy”, said Sofia. Mikhail Shcherbakov (Russia) won the same distance in the medley, whereas Ivan Shamshuryn (Belarus) showed the best result in the butterfly. Victoriia Blinova (Russia) won the 400 metres medley. Thiago Maturana Ruffini won the only gold for Brazil on that day, dominating the 1,500 metres freestyle.
Finally, in the mixed medley relay, the victory was snatched by the Belarusian team literally at the last seconds. The Russians got silver, the Brazilians took bronze.
Vladimir Salnikov, President of the Russian Swimming Federation, praised the prospects of the BRICS Games.
“I’m positive that the BRICS Games will definitely take their place in the international sports calendar. These are interesting competitions that attract the attention of athletes, spectators, and the press, so their importance will grow. There will be more countries, more competition, more support and feelings. That being said, I think we are only at the initial stage of the BRICS Games development”, Salnikov predicted.
The wrestling competitions of the BRICS Games in Kazan concluded on Thursday. Ten sets of medals were awarded to Greco-Roman wrestlers. Athletes from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Azerbaijan became champions in their respective weight categories.
Up to 55 kg
1. Iskhar Kurbayev (Kazakhstan)
2. Vitaliy Kabaloev (Russia)
3. Ikhtiyor Botirov (Uzbekistan)
Up to 60 kg
1. Emin Sefershaev (Russia)
2. Mehroj Bakhramov (Uzbekistan)
3. Hleb Makaranka (Belarus)
Up to 63 kg
1. Sergey Emelin (Russia)
2. Ziya Babashov (Azerbaijan)
3. Khusniddin Olimboev (Uzbekistan)
“The BRICS Games are magnificent. The organisation is so much better than that at the Russian Championships; now’s an international tournament after all. And we have that team spirit, that excitement, it’s extremely important for the athletes. The level of competitors is quite high. Suffice it to say that my opponent from Azerbaijan in the Finals is the winner of the 2023 European Athletics U23 Championships, and I lost to him at the World Military Championships that year. So yeah, it wasn’t easy”, admitted Sergey Emelin, bronze medallist of the Tokyo Olympics.
Up to 67 kg
1. Ruslan Bichurin (Russia)
2. Tavakgul Haziyev (Azerbaijan)
3. Nozimjon Boykuziev (Uzbekistan)
“The BRICS Games may well replace international competitions. There were seven participants in my weight category, all from different countries. Whoever dared, came. The Athletes’ Village is similar to the Olympic Village: the same atmosphere, everyone is happy, it’s a celebration of sport”, said Ruslan Bichurin, silver medallist of the European Championships.
Up to 72 kg
1. Narek Oganyan (Russia)
2. Meirzhan Shermakhanbet (Kazakhstan)
3. Jamol Jumabaev (Uzbekistan) and Mikita Murashka (Belarus)
Up to 77 kg
1. Sergey Stepanov (Russia)
2. Ramazan Arapkhanov (Abkhazia)
3. Tulkin Tuyev (Uzbekistan)
Up to 82 kg
1. Stanislau Shafarenka (Belarus)
2. Rafael Yunusov (Russia)
3. Tunjay Vazirzade (Azerbaijan)
“The hard-obtained victory. I lost with a big gap in the first bout, and, as luck would have it, I reached the Finals with the same opponent. I needed to take revenge so I prepared mentally. I had nothing to lose, so I fought until the very last second. This victory is a step towards greater results in the future. I liked the organisation of the competitions, everything was at the top level: accommodation, meals, cultural programme”, said Stanislau Shafarenka, two-time gold medallist of Belarus.
Up to 87 kg
1. Vaag Margarian (Russia)
2. Ihar Yarashevich (Belarus)
3. Mahammad Ahmadiyev (Azerbaijan)
Up to 97 kg
1. Arif Niftullayev (Azerbaijan)
2. Uladzislau Pustashylau (Belarus)
3. Nikolay Khomenko (Russia)
Up to 130 kg
1. Nokhcho Labazanov (Russia)
2. Dzmitry Zarubski (Belarus)
3. Sarkhan Mammadov (Azerbaijan) and Islam Umayev (Kazakhstan)
The Russian team won a total of 29 medals in freestyle, women’s, and Greco-Roman wrestling at the BRICS Games in Kazan: 23 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze. Belarus got 3 golds, 6 silvers, and 10 bronzes; Azerbaijan 3-5-7; and Kazakhstan 1-4-3. Athletes from Uzbekistan (7 silver, 7 bronze), China (3 silver, 2 bronze), South Ossetia (1 silver, 3 bronze), Abkhazia (1 silver, 2 bronze), and Brazil (1 bronze) took the prize-winning places as well.