On June 13, 2026, in Kyiv, at an indoor futsal arena, the seventh tournament dedicated to the memory of Alexander Hrynyk — an Azov warrior with the callsign 'Hryan' — took place. The event was not just a sporting competition but a living reminder of the courage of a man who chose to defend his country over his personal safety at a critical moment.

A Tournament Uniting Five Teams

Five teams participated in the competition, each coming to the field with respect for the hero's memory. The matches were played in a tense struggle, yet the atmosphere remained friendly and fair. According to the organizers and spectators, it was a 'very balanced tournament with demonstrated fair football'.

The lead in the standings was shared by two teams — 'Nika' and 'Ultra 'Dynamo''. Both scored the same number of points, and the winner was determined only by additional criteria. Ultimately, the team 'Nika' won the Alexander Hrynyk Memorial Cup.

Memory Preserved Through Sport

After the final match, the participants gathered for dinner at a pub, where they remembered not only 'Hryan' but also other fallen warriors. For many, this became an opportunity to express grief, share stories, and support each other during difficult times.

Alexander Hrynyk was born in Kyiv, studied at Gymnasium No. 32 'Uspikh', and later graduated from the Faculty of International Economics and Management of Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman. He loved active leisure: mountains, travel, kayaking, skateboarding. He was a fan of FC 'Dynamo' and even traveled through the jungles of Mexico without knowing the local language.

From Student to Hero

Alexander was at Maidan from the very first days. As early as 2014, he wanted to go to war, but his family persuaded him to finish his studies. In 2016, he completed basic military training and joined the 'Azov' regiment of the National Guard of Ukraine.

'Sasha never dreamed of becoming a soldier. But it happened that he, like many conscious young people, had to defend his country,' recalls his mother, Olga.

In early 2022, Alexander resigned to live a civilian life and write a book about the war. He went to the Carpathians to gather his thoughts. But when the full-scale war began, he said: 'It seems I have already lived for myself.' He lived for himself for 22 days.

Operation 'Sky' and the Last Feat

On February 24, 2022, the first day of the war, Alexander was in Kyiv. After sending his parents abroad, he went to defend Ukraine again. He participated in the liberation of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel. All this time he tried to get to Mariupol — to help his brothers-in-arms.

On March 27, he took part in a secret operation of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) — he flew by helicopter to the already encircled Mariupol. His parents did not know about this. They thought he was staying in the Kyiv region.

'When the GUR organized the secret operation 'Sky', for him this was exactly the moment he was waiting for. Sasha flew by helicopter to the occupied Mariupol to help his brothers-in-arms. I think this characterizes him most of all as a person,' Olga said.

During the breakthrough, Alexander was wounded but refused evacuation, giving his place to a civilian. He defended Mariupol side by side with his brothers-in-arms until his last breath.

A Dream Come True

'Sasha had one main dream in life — to conquer Everest. Already being at Azovstal, he wrote: 'I have a dream — Everest. It would be cool to conquer the highest point on Earth! But I understand — now my Everest is here — at 'Azovstal',' his mother reported.

28-year-old senior soldier Alexander Hrynyk died on May 8, 2022, during the defense of the 'Azovstal' plant. He burned in a bunker as a result of an enemy phosphorus bomb hitting it. His relatives learned of his death only a few days after the tragic event, from social media.

Why This Tournament Is Important

The seventh 'Hryan' Memorial Tournament is not just a sporting event. It is a way to preserve the memory of a hero, unite people who believe in honesty, courage, and self-sacrifice. And, perhaps, inspire new generations to be as brave as Alexander Hrynyk.