Strength of spirit is stronger than pain

Ukraine hosted its first historic wheelchair boxing match. Two war veterans, Pavlo Kushnir (nickname “Staf”) and Mykhailo Drobotenko (nickname “Sever”), entered the ring at the Kyiv Sports Palace. The event became a true symbol of the indomitable spirit and strength of Ukrainian defenders.

The match consisted of three two-minute rounds and ended in a draw — as a gesture of mutual respect and equality between the opponents. The atmosphere in the hall was filled with support, emotions, and gratitude, as the fight became not only a sporting event but also an example that even after serious injuries, life can continue with new victories.

From the first days of the war, Pavlo Kushnirov voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and served in the 136th Battalion. He suffered serious injuries in the Bakhmut direction, but despite his injuries, he did not break down and is actively engaged in rehabilitation.

Mykhailo Drobotenko went to war in 2014, when he was only 20. He first served as an artilleryman, then in a special forces unit. During the full-scale invasion, he fought in the Luhansk region, where he lost both legs after stepping on a mine. However, this was not the end of his journey — on the contrary,Mykhailo began to actively develop in sports.

Even while adapting to his prostheses, he returned to training and became a participant and winner of international competitions. Together with his comrades, he set a world record at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Festival, won the title of vice-champion of the world and two-time champion of Europe in para-jiu-jitsu.

This fight proved that willpower and a thirst for life can overcome any limitations. The veterans in the ring showed that the true spirit of a warrior does not disappear even after the most difficult trials.

The video of the match can be viewed here.