In Memory of Valeriy Zykov: A Legacy in Sports

At the age of 81, the heart of the legendary Ukrainian karate coach, Valeriy Mykolaiovych Zykov, stopped beating. He was also the first head of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the Odessa City Council.

Valeriy Zykov dedicated many years to the development of physical culture and sports in Odessa. He served as a coach and educator in various sports institutions, led the city sports committee, and from 1992 to 1998 was the first deputy of the regional sports committee. From 1999 to 2005, he headed the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the Odessa City Council.

Since 2005, he worked as a karate coach at the sports club “Shield,” and from 2023, he became the director of the Comprehensive Children and Youth Sports School No. 15.

Throughout his coaching career, he nurtured numerous sports masters and international class masters.

His students will always remember him as a kind, sensitive, professional, and reliable mentor.

The Odessa City Council and the sports community express their heartfelt condolences to Valeriy Mykolaiovych's family during this difficult time.