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Russian Cup in Underwater Sports Set for Kirov in February 2026
The Kirov Region will host one of Russia’s premier underwater sports competitions when the Russian Cup comes to the city from February 9-15, 2026. The event will take place at the KOGAU DO “SSHOR Bystritsa” Water Sports Palace, a state-of-the-art 50-meter pool facility equipped with electronic timing systems and 10 lanes.
Competition Overview
The Russian Cup will feature competitions across multiple underwater sports disciplines:
- Finswimming (swimming with monofins)
- Classic fins swimming (swimming with bifins)
- Underwater swimming (apnea swimming)
- Diving in fins (distance diving)
Athletes born in 2011 and earlier, both men and women, are eligible to compete, with participants required to hold at least a Class I sports ranking.
Event Structure
The competition is organized by the All-Russian Public Organization “Federation of Underwater Sports of Russia” in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation. Local organizing responsibilities fall to the Regional Public Organization “Federation of Underwater Sports of the Kirov Region,” led by Evgenia Olegovna Ermolina.
Competition Schedule
February 9, 2026:
- Registration and athlete admission commission (10:30-15:00)
- Team representatives meeting (15:00-15:20)
- Judges’ briefing (15:20-15:40)
- Additional training session (19:30-20:30)
February 10-14, 2026:
- Morning sessions: Warm-up at 8:30, competitions 9:30-12:30
- Evening sessions: Warm-up at 15:20, competitions 17:00-18:30
February 15, 2026:
- Departure of participants
Competition Disciplines
The event encompasses a comprehensive program of individual and relay events across various distances:
Individual Events (with preliminary and final heats):
- 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m finswimming
- 800m and 1500m finswimming (straight finals)
- 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m classic fins swimming
- 100m, 400m underwater swimming
- 50m diving in fins
Relay Events:
- 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x50m finswimming
- 4x100m mixed classic fins relay
- Mixed combined relays
Some events will be conducted as exhibition races without medal awards.
Team Composition and Requirements
Each regional team from the Russian Federation may enter:
- Up to 25 male and 25 female athletes (host region: 30 each)
- Up to 3 coaches
- Up to 3 judges
- Total: 56 participants (66 for Kirov Region)
For team standings, only 8 men and 8 women per team will count toward the overall team score.
Safety and Medical Requirements
Participant safety is paramount, with strict requirements including:
- Valid life and health insurance policies against accidents
- Medical clearance for competition participation
- COVID-19 documentation if required by local health authorities
- Anti-doping certification from RUSADA (for athletes 14 years and older)
- Mandatory presentation of passport, sports classification book, and medical insurance
Medical services will be provided in accordance with Russian Ministry of Health standards, with emergency medical assistance available on-site.
Registration and Entry Fees
Key Deadlines:
- Preliminary application: January 20, 2026
- Final application: February 4, 2026
- Technical application: February 4, 2026
- Database registration: At least 5 days before competition start
An entry fee of 5,500 rubles is required for each participant over 18 years of age, with payment due by February 8, 2026. Entry fees will cover pool rental, judging panel costs, medical services, awards, and competition materials.
Accommodation
Several hotels are available for participants:
- Hotel Charushin – Lenina St., 80
- Hotel Sportivnaya – Chapaeva St., 67
- Hotel Sputnik – Sverdlova St., 31
- Hotel Vyatka – Oktyabrsky Prospekt, 145
- Hotel Gubernskaya – Kazanskaya St., 74
- Elements Kirov Hotel – Oktyabrsky Prospekt, 145, bldg. 1
Most hotels offer buffet breakfasts and arranged meal options, with additional dining facilities nearby.
Awards and Recognition
Winners and medalists will be determined separately for men and women in each discipline. The top three finishers will receive:
- Medals and diplomas from the organizing federation
- Team cups for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams in overall standings
Additional prizes may be awarded by the Russian Federation of Underwater Sports and local organizing bodies.
Competition Significance
This Russian Cup serves multiple strategic purposes:
- Identifying top athletes for national team selection
- Preparing athletes for international competitions
- Developing the sport’s reserve of talented competitors
The event adheres to international underwater sports regulations and Russia’s national sports standards, ensuring fair competition and proper athlete development.
With comprehensive safety protocols, professional judging (35 officials including referees, timekeepers, and technical judges), and world-class facilities, the 2026 Russian Cup in Kirov promises to be a premier showcase of underwater sports excellence.
The organizing committee extends best wishes to all athletes for “smooth water and fast times!”
