At the age of 81, the heart of the esteemed karate coach of Ukraine, Valeriy Mykolaiovych Zikov, ceased to beat. He was also the first head of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the Odessa City Council.

Valeriy Zikov dedicated a substantial part of his career to physical culture and sports. He spent many years coaching and teaching in various sports institutions in Odessa. He led the city sports committee and served as the first deputy of the regional sports committee from 1992 to 1998, and from 1999 to 2005, he headed the Department of Physical Culture and Sports.

Since 2005, he worked as a karate coach at the 'Shield' sports club, and from 2023 he was the director of the Comprehensive Children and Youth Sports School No. 15.

Throughout his coaching career, Valeriy Mykolaiovych trained dozens of sports masters and international class athletes.

His students will always remember him as a kind, sensitive, professional, and reliable friend and mentor.

The Odessa City Council, its Executive Committee, and the local sports community extend their heartfelt condolences to Valeriy Mykolaiovych's family and friends during this time of loss.