Athletistic / Others. On June 23, Trinity Day, one of the most important Christian holidays, Russia experienced two tragedies. Around noon, in Sevastopol, shelling by the Ukrainian armed forces killed 4 people (including children) and injured more than 150 people. And towards the evening there was a terrorist attack in Dagestan.

In Derbent and Makhachkala, armed terrorists attacked two Orthodox churches, a synagogue and a traffic police station. According to the latest data, more than 15 police officers as well as several civilians, including a priest of the Russian Orthodox Church, were victims of the terrorist attacks.
For almost a day, the legal regime of the anti-terrorist operation (CTO) was introduced throughout the territory of the Republic of Dagestan. Around midnight, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) announced the elimination of five militants: two were neutralized in Derbent and three in Makhachkala. Later it became known that six terrorists were killed during their arrest.

Law enforcement and the military must understand the causes and consequences of two terrible events. In this article I would like to talk about the reaction of famous athletes, coaches and officials to the events in Dagestan.

Former UFC lightweight champion, member of the organization’s Hall of Fame, Russian Khabib Nurmagomedov:

— My condolences to all the families and friends of the victims. May Allah protect us all from such situations and grant everyone a peaceful sky above our heads. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Let everyone now look around themselves and their children, find out with whom they communicate and who their environment is. The education of souls is much more important than the education of bodieshe wrote on social networks.

General Director of Dynamo Makhachkala Shamil Gazizov

— A terrible tragedy occurred on Sunday in Dagestan. Nothing can justify the actions of the perpetrators of the attacks in Makhachkala and Derbent. On behalf of Dynamo and on my own behalf, I express my condolences to the families and friends of the victims. With all my heart, I wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. Our club will not stand aside and, for its part, will also provide support to the families of the victims. Terrorism has no nationality or religion. Dagestan is a territory of peace and unity among representatives of all faiths“, Gazizov was quoted as saying by the press service of Dynamo Makhachkala.

Photo source: FC “Ufa”

Current UFC lightweight champion, Russian mixed martial arts fighter Islam Makhachev:

— The Islamic religion prohibits violence against innocent people: whether it is an attack on a person, their honor or their property. Nothing gives the right to kill people, harm property, peace and personal integrity. Please do not associate these inhumane antics with the wonderful religion of Islam, where anything resembling this is condemned and strictly forbidden! — he wrote on his page on social networks.

President of Dynamo Makhachkala Gadzhi Gadzhiev:

— Dagestan is a multinational republic where, regardless of nationality and religion, everyone can always count on the benevolent attitude of their neighbors and the support of their friends. Neither this tragedy nor any other provocation will be able to change our foundations and centuries-old traditions: Dagestan will remain strong and united. My condolences to the families of the victims, I wish a speedy recovery to the injured”, he told the press service of the Makhachkala club.

Double Olympic freestyle wrestling champion, Russian Abdulrashid Sadulayev:

“It is difficult to follow what is happening in Dagestan now. In Makhachkala and Derbent, militants tried to destabilize the situation in the region and sow confusion. The death toll has already risen to ten, eight of whom are law enforcement officers. So far, more than 30 people have been injured. I urge everyone to remain calm and not give in to provocations. Such heinous acts have nothing to do with our religion. Terror has neither nation nor faith. My condolences to the families and friends of those killed. May the Almighty protect our republic from troubles and troubles! — wrote the wrestler on his Telegram channel.

Usman Nurmagomedov, Bellator lightweight champion and cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov:

“I express my deepest condolences to all those killed and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Such heinous acts have nothing to do with our religion. May Allah protect our region and the whole world from all that is badhe wrote on social networks.

Photo source: Bellator

Vice President of the Dagestan Wrestling Federation, European champion Makhmud Magomedov:

— My condolences to the families and friends of the victims. I wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. Terrorism, in any form, has nothing to do with Islam. Islam has never had anything to do with terrorism and anarchy. This religion is deeply imbued with justice, order and goodness. I urge young people not to succumb to the propaganda of extremism and terrorism– RIA Dagestan reports his remarks.

Deputy Minister of Sports of the Republic of Dagestan, former Anzhi footballer Budun Budunov:

“I express my condolences to the families of the victims and share with everyone the sorrow of this tragedy. We will not stand idly by and will provide our support to the families of the victims. Patience and strength to all. Like any sane person, I condemn what happened. Nothing justifies the actions of terrorists. Some of them have already been tried for their illegal and inhumane acts. Others will not go unpunished before the law either. I urge my compatriots not to give in to possible provocations, but to maintain unity and cohesion.“, Budunov said in an interview with RIA Dagestan.

Ikram Aliskerov, UFC fighter:

“Such monstrous acts have nothing to do with our religion.” May Allah protect our region and the whole world from all that is badreads Aliskerov’s post on social networks.

Furthermore, we note that, unfortunately, there was practically no reaction from the sports world to the events in Sevastopol. Either it is the routinization of the events which began on February 24, 2024, or the fear of athletes for their fate in light of possible sanctions from the IOC and other sports organizations, or banal ignorance. But that’s a completely different story.

Nikita Serbakov, Athletistic



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