Inspiring comeback: KRAKEN veteran fights for Ukraine at jiu-jitsu world championship
Oleksandr Dashko (screenshot / YouTube / LimitlessUkraine)
Veteran of the KRAKEN unit of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), Oleksandr Dashko (call sign "Dushnila"), represents Ukraine at the 17th World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi. The athlete, who suffered a severe injury and has an amputation, competes in the para-athlete category on November 13, continuing to amaze the world with his resilience, according to the official tournament website.
Dashko competes as part of the Ukrainian TMS HUB team in the para jiu-jitsu category. The team includes servicemen and veterans with amputations from different regions of the country.
From KRAKEN to the Bosphorus: A story of resilience
Oleksandr Dashko is one of those who proves that amputation is not a sentence but simply a new challenge.
The veteran of the legendary KRAKEN unit of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate and participant in the well-known Limitless project has incredible athletic experience gained after his injury. He holds a blue belt in jiu-jitsu.
Oleksandr Dashko (photo from personal archive)
Before competing at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, he took part in an expedition to Everest Base Camp organized by the NGO Limitless. He represented the Ukrainian team in a prestigious swim across the Bosphorus Strait.
Now, together with other Heroes, he continues the fight and brings honor to Ukraine on the international sports stage.
What is known about the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship
The 17th World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (17th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship) is taking place in the United Arab Emirates from November 12 to 22 at the Mubadala Arena (Zayed Sports City).
This year's tournament features over 10,000 athletes from more than 130 countries. It is the largest Championship since 2009.
The Championship is held in the following stages:
November 12 – amateur championship
November 13 – para-athletes
November 16-17 – juniors
November 18-22 – professional athletes
Thus, the key day for the Ukrainian para-athlete team, including Oleksandr Dashko, is November 13. The live broadcast of the Championship can be watched on the UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation YouTube channel at this link.
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Ukrainian veterans preparing for the World Championship (photo from personal archive)
By the way, watch Roman Bebekh's film about HUR veterans who climbed the Himalayas on prosthetics.
