Published on: 2026-10-09
Source: Government of the Russian Federation –
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In Yakutsk, at the training and shooting center “Sulus,” the IV International Tournament in Army Precision Shooting, dedicated to the memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Fyodor Okhlopkov, was launched. This year, the competition acquired international status for the first time. A total of 187 shooters are participating in the tournament.
The solemn ceremony began with a moment of silence: those gathered honored the memory of three participants from previous tournaments who heroically died defending their Homeland.
Deputy Chairman of the Government – Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Far Eastern Federal District, chief referee of the tournament Yuri Trutnev addressed the participants with a video greeting.
“Representatives of security agencies come to the tournament, guys from the frontline – those who serve Russia today and defend its borders. This year we are holding another tournament – a youth one: for ages 16 to 18. These guys are our future, and they must know how to shoot. The significance of precision shooting is changing. It is difficult to get to the frontline to make a shot and inflict damage on the enemy. At the same time, our snipers hit drones, saving the lives of our guys. There is enough work. A precise shot, as before, helps us move forward and brings our Victory closer. I congratulate everyone and wish successful work at the tournament,” said Yuri Trutnev.
The head of Yakutia, Aysen Nikolaev, congratulated the participants on the start of the competition, noting that the tournament’s prestige is steadily growing. He recalled the proud traditions of marksmanship in the republic: more than 100 Yakutians have been awarded the “Sniper” badge, and Fyodor Okhlopkov is credited with 429 confirmed enemy soldiers and officers killed.
“Today, many of you repeat the glorious feat of our great ancestors, fighting for the Motherland. A huge thank you to you, guys! We remember you all, we honor you. I am confident that our tournament, participation in it, the exchange of experience that takes place here, all in all advance combat sniping in our country and bring our Victory closer,” emphasized Aysen Nikolaev.
The head of the republic expressed gratitude to Yuri Trutnev for supporting the development of precision shooting in the Far East. Additional modernization of the Sulus center range was carried out for the current tournament, working conditions for judges and the media were improved, and the exhibition of weapons and equipment was expanded.
One of the main features of this year’s competition was the prize fund: by order of Yuri Trutnev, gold bars symbolizing one of the main natural riches of Yakutia will be awarded to the winners for the first time.
Hero of Russia Yaroslav Yakubov reported to the head of the region on the full readiness of the infrastructure for hosting the competitions.
The Hero of the Russian Federation, commander of the “Voin” center, Andranik Gasparyan, gave a welcoming speech. He addressed the young shooters separately, for whom independent competitions were organized for the first time, wished them good luck and composure, and announced that the winners of the youth championship would have the opportunity to compete alongside adult participants.
The tournament includes 214 participants, including 187 shooters and 27 judges, from Yakutia, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Buryatia, Chelyabinsk, Belgorod and Kursk regions, Khabarovsk and Zabaykalsky Krais, as well as a team from the Republic of Belarus.
For the first time, a small championship is being held for more than 30 boys and girls aged 16–18 from seven teams of the branches of the “Warrior” center of the Far Eastern Federal District.
The solemn ceremony was also attended by the CEO of the ANO “Sulus” Alexander Kolesov, Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Far Eastern Federal District Roman Alisenov, Governor of the Jewish Autonomous Region Maria Kostyuk, Commander of the Eastern District of the Russian National Guard Lieutenant General Alexander Reshetnikov, and other honored guests.
The competitions will continue in Yakutsk until October 11.
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