On May 7, 2025, on the eve of a momentous date for every Russian citizen, a solemn inauguration ceremony was held in the town of Malakhovka for the “Defenders of the Fatherland” memorial and the bust of Arkady Nikitich Vorobyov, the first rector of the Moscow State Academy of Physical Culture (MSAPC).

The ceremony was attended by Fail Muzhipovich Ibyatov, Chairman of the Regional Tatar National-Cultural Autonomy of the Moscow Region (RTNKA MO), alongside Ramil Ravilievich Bulatov, a well-known farmer from the Dmitrovsky district, head of the Moscow Peasant Union, and an active member of RTNKA MO. Bulatov also leads the Dmitrovsky regional Tatar organization.

Among the distinguished guests were:

• Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation and President of the Russian Olympic Committee;

• Vladimir Volkov, Head of the Lyubertsy City District;

• Nikolai Chesnokov, Rector of MSAPC;

• Faculty and students of MSAPC.

Tribute to a Sports Legend

The inspiration behind the monument dedicated to the legendary weightlifter Arkady Vorobyov was Dr. Petr Alexandrovich Chekmarev — Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, academician, Deputy President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Committee for Agro-Industrial Development. Chekmarev had previously served as head of the Tetyushsky District Administration in the Republic of Tatarstan and personally knew Vorobyov.

RTNKA MO provided both financial and organizational support for the creation of this monument to the great athlete.

A year prior, Petr Alexandrovich contacted Fail Muzhipovich with the idea to erect two monuments to Vorobyov—one at MSAPC in Malakhovka and another in Tetyushi, where a street is named after the athlete. Fail Muzhipovich also had personal acquaintance with Vorobyov through various sporting and political events in Malakhovka.

Legacy of Arkady Nikitich Vorobyov

Arkady Vorobyov was a legendary war veteran who fought in the Great Patriotic War, making the timing of the monument’s unveiling especially symbolic—on the eve of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.

His legacy includes:

• Two Olympic gold medals

• Ten USSR championship titles

• 26 world records

• Recognition as a Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor, author, and educator

Vorobyov was widely respected not only as an athlete but also as a multi-talented and principled citizen, earning admiration in Russia and abroad for his immense contributions to the field of weightlifting.

Gratitude and Acknowledgements

Fail Muzhipovich had the opportunity to speak with Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev to discuss key matters. Minister Degtyarev congratulated all attendees on the inauguration of the memorial and bust, expressing gratitude to the organizers and contributors, with special recognition given to RTNKA MO.

Source: mosobltatar.ru