His trainees won six medals at the Paralympic Games. Let's remember Valentin Dondikov.

Every day at 9 am, Ukrainians honor the memory of all those whose lives were taken by the Russo-Ukrainian war. Today we remember Valentin Dondikov.

On April 6, 2024, in fierce battles in the Kherson region, coach Valentin Dondikov, who worked with the Ukrainian Paralympic shooting team, died. This news was reported by the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.

Valentin was born on March 19, 1983. He was a multiple champion of Ukraine in shooting and, after ending his sports career, became a coach. For his work, he was awarded the title of honored coach of Ukraine and trained Ukrainian para-shooters, preparing future champions of international competitions.

In 2020, his students participated in the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, where they won 6 awards.

After the invasion began in 2022, Valentin started defending Ukraine. He was the commander of an anti-tank platoon and performed many combat missions, fulfilling his duties and training military personnel. According to him, Valentin was a true professional for whom there was nothing impossible.

Shortly after his 41st birthday, which he celebrated on March 19, 2024, Valentin received the sad news of his death. On April 6, on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, during a combat operation in the Kherson region, he left this world. On April 12, in the Odessa region, a farewell ceremony for the Hero took place, attended by his relatives, friends, colleagues, and trainees.

Valentin Dondikov was described as a Ukrainian master of sport of international class in shooting, honored coach in shooting, and a top-category coach-instructor of the Odessa regional youth sports school in shooting. His loss was significant for the military, as Valentin was an unparalleled professional who performed his duties and trained others.

His colleagues from the Paralympic team, who attended the farewell, noted him as a kind and professional coach.

In the summer of 2024, his trainees are expected to participate in the Paralympic Games in Paris, but unfortunately without their coach...

We honor the memory of all Ukrainians who died in the war for our country, including Valentin Dondikov. May they rest in peace.