If interest in the "Battle in the Mountains" continues to grow at the same pace, then the tournament will again have to change its place of registration. For the first time these international competitions in mixed martial arts, were held in the Ingush village of Egikala in 2012 and gathered about 20 thousand people. The competition entered the Russian Book of Records as the most mass event held at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level.
More came to see the next "Battle" more people, therefore, the authorities of the republic decided to build a new spacious platform in the village of Targim - otherwise the audience would have been sitting at the base of the ancient Ancestral towers that have been preserved in these places.
The fifth anniversary "Battle in the Mountains" set another attendance record - tickets were sold for 2 million rubles. Spectators willingly went to the tournament to support their countrymen - at once 7 athletes out of 24 represented Ingushetia. But, of course, most of all they were waiting for the fight of two heavyweights Denis Smoldarev, representing Estonia, and American Kenny Garner.
Garner had experience on his side (he is 41 years old, he is an ex-champion of the M-1 Challenge), age (he is 26 years old) and healthy sports anger spoke in favor of Smoldarev's victory. The Estonian athlete, who has been performing since 2009, all the time stopped a step away from high titles - twice became the silver medalist of the European Championships, insultingly lost title fight in February 2016 to Russian Alexander Volkov.
Wanting to rehabilitate himself, Smoldarev did not burn out, but, on the contrary, was able to gather himself as much as possible and in the third round, by unanimous decision of the judges, became the winner.
RESULTS OF "BATTLE IN THE MOUNTAINS" IN 2016
(Up to 61.8 kg) Adam Gagiev (Ingushetia) defeated Zaur Akhmedov (School named after Abubakarov, Dagestan) by unanimous decision. Round 3, 5:00
(Up to 77.1 kg) Magomed Maasaev (Chechnya) defeated Ingiskhan Ozdoev (Ingushetia) by choke hold (triangle). Round 2, 1:50
(Up to 70.3 kg) Abubakar Mestoev (Ingushetia) defeated Sergey Astapov (Ukraine) by technical knockout. Round 1, 1:10
(Up to 70.3 kg) Lom-Ali Nalgiev (Ingushetia) defeated Gabriel Sabo (Switzerland) by a majority vote of the judges. Round 3, 5:00
(Up to 93 kg) Amirkhan Guliyev (Ingushetia) defeated Darving Rodriguez (Mexico) with a painful hold on the leg. Round 1, 3:16
(Up to 61.3 kg) Antun "Killer" Racic (Croatia) - Musa Kizikhanov (MMA Academy, Makhachkala) - draw
(up to 61.3 kg) Khamzat Dalgiev (Ingushetia) defeated Ronnie Gomez (Dominican Republic) by technical knockout. Round 1, 2:28
(Over 93 kg) Marcus Vinicius Lopez (Brazil) defeated Kurban Ibragimov (Fighting Eagle, Dagestan) by unanimous decision. Round 3, 5:00
(Up to 61.3 kg), Sergey Morozov (Kazakhstan) defeated Rafael Diaz (Brazil) by unanimous decision. Round 3, 5:00
(Up to 65.8 kg) Andrey Lezhnev (Ukraine) defeated Lee Morrison (USA) by unanimous decision. Round 3, 5:00
(Over 93 kg) Denis Smoldarev (Estonia) defeated Kenny Garner (USA) by unanimous decision. Round 3, 5:00
Fight according to the rules of historical fencing
Rustam Kukurkhoev (Dzur-dzuk, Nazran) defeated Vitaly Kravchenko (MSPF Paladin, Moscow) by TKO. Round 2, 0:38
The battles of modern titans will take place against the backdrop of the majestic landscapes of the Targim Basin. At the foot of Mount Tsey-Loam on the right bank of the Assa River, the installation of the arena, spectator stands and special frames for huge screens is being completed. All necessary equipment delivered the day before, the specialists proceeded with the installation of video and audio equipment and lighting.
The number of spectators is also increasing every year, and therefore the organizers decided to install two additional screens for the convenience of the fans.
The beauty of the Dzheirakh region for the fifth time will become a natural backdrop for fights that attract the attention of fans in all corners of the world. "Battle in the mountains" is the most beautiful show we do. “Holding a mixed martial arts tournament in the mountains in the open air, against the backdrop of majestic towers, has become a kind of chip, the only one in the world,” said the president of the World MMA Association, head of the International sports organization M-1 Global Vadim Finkelstein. This phrase then, in June 2014, was quoted by the leading media in Russia and abroad. Competitions in which they participate best fighters world, gather tens of thousands of spectators and fans from many countries.
“I hold ten tournaments a year, and their geography is constantly expanding... Nevertheless, the tournament in Ingushetia - for the M-1 Global team and for me personally - is special ... the venue is simply magnificent ... It's good here. In Ingushetia, we can not only hold and broadcast fights to the whole world, but make a real spectacular show out of it. The broadcast of today's tournament could be watched by about 100 countries of the world,” Vadim Finkelstein shared without hiding his emotions. He also told reporters about the words of the Swiss team, which is organizing a similar tournament in Switzerland: “Yes, they admitted that they also have mountains, but not as beautiful as those of the M-1. You have amazing nature! Our TV group makes a special effort to show in its promotional videos not only the presentation of the fighter, but also the beauty around us,” said the president of the World MMA Association. Targim is not only an arena sports fights. The “Battle in the Mountains” itself also became a record. The competition, timed to coincide with the 22nd anniversary of the founding of the republic, was included in the Russian Book of Records as "the most massive event held at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level." "Battle in the mountains 2014" gathered 23,255 spectators.
According to Vadim Finkelstein, the M-1 "Battle in the Mountains" also set its own record. “These were athletes of the same level. We had an all-time record here for the first time: only one fight (Kenny Garner) went to the end, the rest all ended in the first round, ”said the president of M-1 Global.
"Battle in the mountains - 2016" promises to become even more spectacular and memorable. Therefore, the preparation of athletes for the upcoming fights is carried out according to an enhanced program. The organizers of the tournament took care of the participants: so that the guys could get acclimatized, the training camp is held at the ARMHI recreation center. Ingushetia will be represented at the competitions by wrestlers of the republican fighting club "Erzi".
We have been in LOK for two weeks now. The guys went through acclimatization, because the air at altitude is more rarefied, the pressure is different, the level of oxygen content, and so on. Here practically ideal conditions for the preparation of athletes: clean mountain air, proper nutrition and daily workouts. In a word, everything that is necessary to maintain an excellent physical form and morale. Now we have begun the final phase of preparation for the tournament. The main focus is on weight loss. We are no longer giving a heavy load. And the schedule itself is as follows: in the morning - an easy run, in the evening - another run and work on the "paws", practicing actions on the ground, but not long, 40-50 minutes. With regard to nutrition, the main focus is on protein diet Again, this has to do with weight. It is worth noting that here our chefs cook very well, so there are no problems with this issue. They came to cook our guys the best coaches and from neighboring regions, seven people, these are from Dagestan and Chechnya. They trained our fighters, worked out some tricks, etc., - said Bashir Gagiev, Main coach fighting club "Erzi".
His wards admit that they are set up in a combative way, to win. They are also given confidence by the fact that they will fight on their native land, and at home, as you know, the walls help.
Before Ramadan, we practiced on the basis of our club. And in the month of Ramadan, the fees were held in Abkhazia. As for my personal preparation, I can say that I am almost one hundred percent ready. Anyway, that's how I feel. And victory or loss - everything is by the will of Allah, - Khamzat Dolgiev shared. The athlete performs in weight up to 65.8 kg. His fight is one of those that will take place in the main card.
My opponent has a big advantage in percussion technique. But, God willing, I will try to fight with him in the standing position, and, if possible, drag him to the ground and show all our fans a spectacular beautiful fight, - Amirkhan Guliyev promised. Our athlete is declared in weight up to 93 kg. His opponent will be a fighter from Mexico.
This year, the Battle in the Mountains tournament M-1 Challenge will be held for the 5th time. The organizers have repeatedly noted that the site created here is perfect for holding competitions of this kind. And we are talking not only about the level of training of the athletes themselves, the organization and devoted spectators, but also about the beautiful natural conditions: the majestic mountains surrounding the arena seem to enhance the spirit of rivalry that is literally in the air.
In total, 22 fighters from Russia and countries of near and far abroad are declared at the competition. Spectators will see 11 exciting fights.
In the main fight of the International Mixed Martial Arts Tournament M-1 Challenge 69 "Battle in the Mountains", former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion American KennyGarner (16-9) will fight with Estonian fighter Denis Smoldarev (11-2) who claimed this title twice ).
And a little more from the history of the sports spectacle. Championship M-1 Challenge 33 "Jeyrakh-2012: "Battle in the mountains" became a jubilee for the company M-1 Global. That year, the League of Mixed Martial Arts celebrated its 15th anniversary. And you international tournament was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Republic of Ingushetia. As the president of M-1 Global and the promoter of Fedor and Alexander Emelianenko, Vadim Finkelstein, noted then, M-1 employees “did everything to convey to viewers the beauty of mountain landscapes, the power and strength of the Ingush family towers as best and as voluminously as possible.” The "Battle in the Mountains" project, successfully implemented by M-1 in Ingushetia, was initially interesting for the company and fans of MMA, in particular, for its exoticism. The organizers of the tournament and the leadership of M-1 Global at the very beginning - in 2012 - assumed that about 5 thousand spectators would come to watch the spectacular fights. But the reality, as they say, surpassed all expectations: about 20 thousand people gathered in the mountains of Ingushetia to see what is called live fights of the strongest fighters. “I saw such an influx of people only at the Olympic in Moscow, when the audience came to see Fedor Emelianenko,” Finkelstein admitted then.
So what comes out from the very first tournament "Battle in the mountains" is a place where records are born, where ancient mountains, majestic towers, beautiful nature and, of course, people compete in beauty and nobility - the main characters of a large-scale, grandiose, exciting action. giving a lot of unforgettable emotions to everyone who becomes involved in fair fights.
For several weeks, Ingushetia has been preparing for the main event of the summer - the international mixed martial arts tournament M-1 Challenge "Battle in the mountains", which annually gathers up to 25,000 spectators in a small village located at an altitude of one and a half thousand meters. The competitions were very successful, delighting fans, athletes, and organizers.
TOURNAMENT FROM THE BOOK OF RECORDS
Athletes from the regions of Russia, Spain, USA, Brazil, Croatia, Switzerland, Ukraine and a number of other states came to fight surrounded by mountains. Many among the participants of the tournament were Russians representing the host republic of the competition. The main event of the evening was a heavyweight superfight. The duel of the former M-1 Challenge champion Kenny Garner from the USA with hercules from Estonia Denis Smoldarev, who claimed the champion title for the third time, was eagerly awaited by everyone.
The stands were clearly rooting for Smoldarev, who seemed stronger from the very beginning. By the end of the first round, the American's right eyelid was cut, but he was not going to give up and the fight continued. The representative of Estonia turned out to be stronger, and he won the fight. After the judge victoriously raised Denis Smoldarev's hand, the athlete took the Ingush flag, which caused great joy of the audience.
For his duel, in addition to the title, the Estonian received an award certificate for 1 million rubles from the hands of the Head of Ingushetia, Yunus-Bek Evkurov. The athlete thanked for such a generous gift, noting that these funds will open up new opportunities for him.
Anyone who has visited the "Battle in the mountains" invariably falls in love not only with wrestling, as the most brutal sport, but also with nature. North Caucasus- the tournament takes place in the open air, in a valley protected from the whole world by proud mountain peaks. The competition of wrestlers is also watched by several ancient Ingush battle towers, which have seen many desperate battles in their lifetime. The initiative in holding tournaments belongs to the Head of the Republic.
Four years ago, our republic was perceived as a territory of terrorism. Therefore, first of all, through this tournament, through the popularization of mixed martial arts, we strive to show another Ingushetia, - said Yunus-Bek Yevkurov. - The beauty of our nature, the warmth of the hearts of generous and hospitable people. I'm sure we've practically succeeded.
Because today a huge number of tourists come not only to these fights. In addition, the head of the region noted that during the tournaments in Ingushetia, 12 sports clubs specializing in mixed martial arts. The first "Battle in the mountains", dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the formation of Ingushetia as part of Russia, took place in 2012. That year, world-famous wrestlers gathered in the Dzheirakhsky district: Magomed Malikov, Adam Barakhoev, Rakhim Chakhkiev, Sultan Ibragimov, Vakha Evloev, Islam Duguchiev, as well as guests from France, Bulgaria, Spain, Croatia, Russia. Two years later, the "Battle in the Mountains" was noted in the Russian Book of Records as the most massive event held at an altitude of more than 1500 meters above sea level.
Photo report from the "Battle in the mountains-2016"
WARRIORS, DEFENDERS, ATHLETES
It is not surprising that wrestling tournaments are held in Ingushetia. The love for this sport among the Ingush is passed down from generation to generation. It is not surprising if we recall such names as Berd Evloev and Vakha Evloev. Berd Evloev, a classic wrestler, a man with incredible strength and skill, the very famous "Eagle of the Caucasus" and "Lion of the Caucasus" became famous at the beginning of the last century, becoming the world and European champion. Vakha Evloev, who became the champion of the USSR in 1977, has achieved recognition all over the world, and now he is acting as assistant adviser to the Head of the Republic of Ingushetia.
Ingush - good athletes. Like most mountain peoples, this people was formed in harsh conditions - a complex mountain landscape created natural conditions for the development of dexterity, endurance, balance, and the abundance of enemies from whom it was required to protect family and property forced men to develop fighting qualities. That is why from an early age the boys learned horse riding, archery, lifted heavy blocks, accurately and quickly threw stones, deftly climbed steep rocks, striving to become the first, strongest, most dexterous and fastest. Rivalry formed a special character - the character of a warrior and a defender.
Centuries passed, the conditions of existence softened, but the character and desire for physical perfection remained in the Ingush forever. Only now the battles have acquired a sports-friendly character, and their goal was to strengthen friendly and business relations between different peoples and countries.
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS - THE STATE PROGRAM
The glorious past must be continued by the glorious present, and therefore the leadership of the Republic of Ingushetia pays special attention to this issue. The activities of the government are based on the state program "Development of physical culture and sports" and are designed to cover the main aspects physical development population. Mass physical culture and sports events and activities for the training of highly qualified athletes and the sports reserve are planned.
According to the adopted program, it is necessary to involve the residents of the republic in sports, provide medical health control, and build new sports facilities. Unfortunately, as stated in the program, this moment sports halls are not enough - only 21.6% of the republic's residents have the opportunity to exercise in equipped premises, therefore only 5.5% of the population have full-fledged opportunities for exercise. Moreover, they are mostly residents of rural areas.
The scope of the tasks facing the Ministry of physical education and sports of the Republic of Ingushetia is significant, therefore, the necessary assistance is provided to the republic by the federal executive authorities. The executive bodies of state power of the republic and the administration of municipalities are actively involved in the work.
"DO NOT LEAVE THE YOUTH WITHOUT ATTENTION"
New sports centers for young people are opening in the republic - now there are more than two dozen of them, including specialized schools for Olympic sports sports and centers sports training. The head of the republic said about this:
We want to build a sports and recreation complex in every locality of the republic - you can not leave young people without attention, - says Yunus-Bek Bamatgireevich.
More than 10,000 athletes are already involved in basic sports - most in sports schools, about 150 - in sports improvement groups, more than twenty - in groups of higher sportsmanship. Already since 2011, according to the decree “On the procedure for awarding athletes and coaches of the Republic of Ingushetia for achieving high sports results”, winners, prize-winners of championships and championships in Russia, Europe and the world, as well as their coaches, receive an annual monetary reward. Monthly scholarships are also awarded to athletes included in the main and reserve teams of the Russian Federation.
In 2012, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the republic, three new sports facilities were launched: Olympic training freestyle wrestling" in Nazran, a sports and recreation complex in the rural settlement of Plievo and a multifunctional gym in the rural settlement of Nesterovskoye.
In 2014, he received the first athletes in Nazran indoor ice rink With artificial ice, now the first republican specialized sport school Hockey "Erzi" Multifunctional open air sports grounds and sports and recreation complexes in rural settlements. With the direct support of the Russian Ministry of Sports, it was possible to raise 700 million rubles to complete the construction of the Sports Palace in Nazran for 3,500 seats, which will make it possible to hold international events in Ingushetia at a qualitatively new level. Completion of construction is planned for the end of 2016.
SPORT IS ALWAYS AN EVENT
The most striking confirmation of the fact that sport is becoming more and more popular in the republic was the fact that in 2015 alone, 76 sporting events who had massive support from the inhabitants of Ingushetia. For example, international mixed tournaments martial arts M-1 "Battle in the mountains" and "Battle of the Narts", international competitions for accuracy of landing on parachuting, the All-Russian Judo Tournament in memory of Magomed Parchiev, the NCFD boxing championship in memory of the Hero of Russia, Major General Aviation Sulambek Oskanov, the NCFD championship in freestyle wrestling among youths, the 26th stage of the Russian Rally Cup and many others.
One and a half thousand athletes from the combined teams of regions and cities of the republic took part in the Festival of national sports and folk art "Ingush Games". And in just one year, athletes from Ingushetia won 149 gold, 86 silver and 140 bronze medals in all-Russian and international competitions.
Since 2014, every autumn in Ingushetia, the international mixed martial arts competition M-1 Challenge 61 "Battle of the Narts" (in Ingush "nart" - an epic hero) has been held. Unlike the "Battle in the mountains", this tournament is held on the plain, in Nazran, and precedes the "Battle in the mountains".
HALL OF FAME
The republic has many heroes whose names have gone down in the history of world sports. In boxing, these are Ayup Arsaev, Khizir Pliev, Islam Vadelgov, Adam Kodzoev. In wrestling - Nazir Mankiev, in judo - Magomed Parchiev, Ali Khamkhoev and others. Among the strongest weightlifters in the world are Beksultan Tsurov, Ruslan Balaev. In weightlifting, Ingushetia was glorified by Ruslan Balaev, champion of the Goodwill Games in 1986, and Israil Arsamakov, gold medalist of the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
The whole world remembers the name of Leila Albogachieva, a Russian climber who conquered Everest 12 times and died while climbing the same peak in September 2014. Her example inspired many new mountain climbers.
The time is coming for a new generation of champions, for whom sports centers are being built, the best coaches of the republic are working. But even more important is the fact that more and more Ingush are fond of sports, lead an active lifestyle, raise children strong and healthy - for their benefit and the benefit of their native Ingushetia.
In the Targim basin of mountainous Ingushetia, among the medieval castle complexes and ancient temples of the Dzheirakhsko-Assinsky historical and architectural museum-reserve, the fifth international tournament in mixed martial arts M1 Challenge "Battle in the mountains" was held.
"BATTLE IN THE MOUNTAINS" conquers the world
More than twenty fighters from ten countries of the world came to the cradle of the Ingush people. Athletes from the USA, Brazil, Switzerland, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Estonia, Ukraine and Russia fought for the victory.
"The first three events of the "Battle in the mountains" we held in another beautiful place, in the area of Egikal tower complexes, - says head of Ingushetia, - then we decided to do it in this basin, because it is more convenient here both in terms of logistics, and the beauty of the landscape, and the wind rose.
By the twentieth anniversary of the republic in 2012, we made a number of decisions so that our republic began to sound differently. And this sport's event was supposed to give impetus, as we planned, to the development of the tourism industry. We want to present Ingushetia as a safe, calm republic where such large-scale events can be held. Show the traditions and culture of our people, the beauty of our beloved republic. I think we succeeded."
The words President of the international company M-1 Global Vadim Finkelstein it follows that the idea to hold a competition in the mountains matured in the head of Yunus-bek Bamatgireevich Yevkurov. “And the effect worked not only for Ingushetia, but for the entire Caucasus,” Vadim Finkelstein noted with pleasure. It should be noted that Vadim Grigorievich is somewhat cunning, because it was he who, in a conversation with the head of Ingushetia, mentioned the Colorado canyons, where open-air competitions of this level are held. Thus a great idea was born.
More than 20 thousand spectators from 11 countries of the world gathered to watch the sports spectacle in the open air. But not all athletes were able to become participants in this tournament.
The height above sea level in the Targa basin is 1400 meters. Without adaptation to local mountainous conditions, not every fighter is able to withstand the third round.
“Athletes say that it’s not even a shame to lose, because they get great pleasure here to breathe such air, drink clean water, eat colorful foods, communicate with people and feel the hospitality that exists in Ingushetia,” said Yunus-Bek Yevkurov.
In conclusion, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, not without pride, noted: "We have few people involved in mixed martial arts and now we have about 16 clubs. Thousands of children who are now starting to study in kindergartens and youth clubs. Four years ago, we did not have a single skydiver-athlete, there was no velobike. Now they are showing up. This popularization of sports is a big plus. These days we are passing chess tournament. We promote chess among children. These sports keep the youth busy and attract more guests."
For sports fans, we add that in the main fight, the former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion, black American Kenny Garner, after an unsuccessful attempt to take revenge in a fight with multiple world champion Sergey Kharitonov, fought this time with Estonian Denis, who twice claimed this title Smoldarev. And lost.