The Russian athlete won the European Championship and expected to hear the country’s anthem on awarding. However, something went not according to plan, and the music was suddenly interrupted.

The reaction of the fans brought the athlete to tears.

Under the native flag

At the European Boxing Championship in Belgrade in 2024, representatives of Russia performed under the national flag, which in the current situation is not common. As a result, the national team of our country won the team offset of the tournament, collecting 20 medals, 11 of which were gold.

The Russians showed an absolute domination in men’s competitions, defeating eight weight categories. There was no such total advantage in the women’s tournament, but our athletes did not remain without medals, taking three gold. One of the medals went to the native of Domodedovo, Yulia Chumgalakova, for whom this gold gold became the second in his career.

Nicole Durikova and Julia Chumgalakova / Photo: © Boxing Federation of Russia

In the final of the category up to 48 kg, the Russian woman defeated the local athlete Kristina Naja Vargu. After the victory, the award ceremony took place. The winners ascended the pedestal and received their medals. Then, by tradition, the anthem of Russia was supposed to play in honor of the winner of the competition.

“My tears rolled”

And the anthem really played. However, the music did not sound long. After about 30 seconds, sound equipment failed, and the sound completely disappeared. However, the situation was saved by the fans in the stands.

Boxing lovers were not at a loss and sang the anthem of Russia in chorus. Julia also sang without musical accompaniment. In the words “Glory to the country, we are proud of you” Chumgalakova could not restrain his tears from the emotions that overwhelmed her.

– I had very good support in the stands, everyone sang. And from this my tears rolled. Such unity, everyone supported, did not abandon me in such a situation, ”she said in an interview with Match TV.

The touching moment with the singing of the anthem instantly scattered through sports media and social networks. Julia received support not only from fans in the arena, but also from sports lovers from all over the country. Also among commentators in social networks were the Serbs who wrote enthusiastically about the friendship of our peoples and supported the Russian athlete.

Julia Chumgalakova / Photo: © Boxing Federation of Russia / Leonid Urovshev

Many considered that what happened was a deliberate provocation: they say that too often the Russian anthem in the competition for some reason is disconnected. On the other hand, it is difficult to suspect in such friendly Serbian organizers. They themselves explained what happened by a technical failure.

– It was unpleasant, but there was no evil intent. We were made official apologies from the technical delegate. We understand objectively that this is a technical failure. Here, in secret, I will say that at first the electricity turned off. There were such troubles with organizational moments. And since our anthem was the first, everything came together. There is no need to see something unpleasant here. I figured it out, apologized. The main thing is that we know the words of the anthem and sang that I always advise everyone and to do it to everyone, ”Tatyana Kiriyenko, who then held the post of Secretary General of the Boxing Federation of Russia, commented on the situation.

I would like to believe that soon we will hear the anthem of Russia in official competitions again. The world sports community should understand that politically motivated prohibitions are contrary to the principles of the Olympic movement.