Bidny says Russia damages over 850 sports facilities

Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Matviy Bidny has said that that to date, over 850 sports infrastructure facilities have been destroyed or damaged as a result of Russia’s armed aggression.

"Today it is difficult to talk about the construction of large sports facilities because Russia systematically strikes our infrastructure objects… And we understand that bringing large capital investments here is pointless given the need to provide for our Defense Forces," Bidny said at a press conference "The Future of Ukrainian Sports" on Thursday in Kyiv.

At the same time, the minister added that this does not mean that nothing should be done in this area.

In his opinion, it is necessary to develop simpler forms of sports infrastructure in the regions so that all citizens have access to sports and active leisure. Specifically, the minister said that 5 open sports grounds will be built in the Kyiv region by the summer of 2026.

He also said that the ministry is working on creating a network of multifunctional barrier-free gyms. In particular, the first such facility will be built this year in Boyarka, Kyiv region.

As reported, on April 9, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine presented a vision for creating a holistic ecosystem that combines the European model of sport, education, and science with modern sports infrastructure, including a club system, autonomy for federations, and the Olympic Lab.