On 13 May 2023, the Cathedral Square in Penza welcomed the 9th International St. George Martial Arts Festival “For Faith and Homeland”. The event was organised by the Government of the Penza Region, the Penza Eparchy, the Penza Theological Seminary, the Institute for Regional Development of the Penza Region, the Russian Union of Orthodox Wrestlers and the International Students Association of the Penza Region. In addition, the support was provided by the Ministry of Education of the Penza Region, the Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports of the Penza Region, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Penza Region, the Martial Arts Association of the Penza Region and Penza State University.

Vice-Rector for International Affairs of Penza State University Gleb Sintsov acted as the chairperson of the organising committee. “Holding such festival is a good tradition to be preserved for many years. It is especially pleasing that the international students take an active part in this event. We aim at contributing to the creation of tolerant youth and student environment and to the promotion of peace throughout the world,” emphasized Gleb Sintsov.

The guests of honour included First Deputy Chairperson of the Government of the Penza Region Oleg Yagov, Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Assembly of the Penza Region Valery Lidin, Minister of Education of the Penza Region Aleksey Komarov, honorary President of St. George Festival, President of St. Petersburg Kobudo Federation and St. Petersburg Oriental Martial Arts Federation Sergey Dmitriev, Founder of Chevalier Group and partner of Penza State University Dr. Yuvraajsinh Solanki, Chairperson of the International Students Association of the Penza Region Adel Ali Omar Maqbol, as well as the presidents and chairpersons of the Russian martial arts associations.

Welcoming the festival participants, Oleg Yagov noted the significance of such events: “Back in 2014, the initiative of the Penza Eparchy gathered 30 participants for the first martial arts festival. In almost 10 years, the number of the participants has grown to 250. A few years ago the festival has gained the international value. On behalf of Governor of the Penza Region Oleg Melnichenko and on my own behalf, I thank Metropolitan Seraphim and all the organisers for a wonderful festival that promotes not only commitment to sports and healthy lifestyle, but also love for homeland”.

The participants, organisers and guests of the martial arts festival received a congratulatory letter from Deputy Chairperson of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Anna Kuznetsova. As a native of Penza, she emphasized the relevance of the festival, which facilitates harmonizing physical and spiritual culture, moral education and love for homeland. In her letter Anna Kuznetsova expressed confidence that the festival will become an unforgettable event for all its participants and guests and will open new ways for young athletes. The special words of gratitude were addressed to mentors and coaches who lead children to victories. “All our victories are not only personal success, but also a contribution to the common victory, which the front and the rear are fighting for today,” stressed Anna Kuznetsova.

Sergey Dmitriev took part in the ceremony of awarding the honorary St. George badge “For Faith and Homeland” to those who have significantly contributed to developing physical culture and sports in the Penza Region. Aleksandr Sobolev, Associate Professor of the Department of Gymnastics (Penza State University) and Honorary Worker of Higher Professional Education of the Russian Federation, was awarded the 3rd degree badge for promoting martial arts in the Penza Region.

After the grand opening of the 9th International St. George Martial Arts Festival “For Faith and Homeland”, the participants demonstrated a series of performances in various types and styles of martial arts.

The sporting event annually brings together the martial arts athletes not only from the Russian Federation, but also from foreign countries, namely Egypt, Yemen, India, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, including international students enrolled at Penza State University.

“Today I am showing an Indian martial art. The sword in Indian is called talwar and the fascinating dance with these melee weapons is also called talwar. The traditional Indian sabre in the homeland symbolizes valour and courage, and therefore holding it in my hands is a special honour. The art of ancient Indian sabre combat is taught in my family from generation to generation,” said Nityarajsinh Solanki, international student from India studying at PSU.

The festival participants presented the characteristic features of various martial arts: combat sambo, boxing, judo, aikido, wushu, taekwondo, karate-do, hand-to-hand combat, kyokushinkai karate and kuresh. Thus, the event is dedicated to forming the appreciation among the youth of healthy lifestyle, sports and patriotism.

During the festival, all martial arts athletes and associations were awarded with memorable gifts, diplomas and certificates. The sporting event ended with a festive concert by the choir of the Penza Eparchy clergy conducted by Archpriest Vladimir Olkhov.