On behalf of the International Federation for Hand-to-Hand Fighting, all enthusiasts and fans of sports, I warmly welcome the guests, participants and organizers of the 2021 World Cup in Hand-to-Hand Fighting among men and women.

Today, the International Federation for Hand-to-Hand Fighting unites athletes from 43 countries of the world, and its main goal is to include hand-to-hand fighting in the program of the Olympic Games. In the 15 years of the development of the International Federation, this is the eighth World Cup, and for the first time it is being held in Moscow. The organization of such a significant event in the heart of Russia will undoubtedly contribute to the development of hand-to-hand combat and underline the right of Moscow to be the center of the world development of our national sport.

We express our gratitude to all the participants, organizers and partners of the World Cup. Special thanks to the Government of the Russian Federation, the Government of the City of Moscow, the Department of Sports of the City of Moscow and the Ministry of Sports of Russia. Moscow is a unique city capable of hosting events of a global scale, and we hope that international hand-to-hand fighting competitions will be included in the annual calendar of especially significant events in the capital.

We have no doubt that the competition will be honest and uncompromising, will demonstrate strength, beauty and courage, and will greatly contribute to the promotion of sports and a healthy lifestyle.

President of the International Federation for Hand-to-hand Fighting, S.A. Astakhov