In the early hours of April 21, Russian drones carried out a massive attack on Sumy, causing widespread destruction across the city. Among the damaged sites was the indoor athletics arena of Sumy State University – one of Ukraine’s most important venues for track and field competitions.
According to preliminary reports, part of the arena’s wall was destroyed, and the interior sustained significant damage. The blast wave also affected nearby residential buildings, shattering windows in surrounding apartment blocks .
Overall, up to ten explosions were reported during the night, with strikes recorded at seven different locations. At least six multi-story residential buildings were damaged, an educational institution was destroyed, and a hospital and other civilian infrastructure were affected. Around ten private vehicles were burned.
Fifteen people were injured, including children. Some victims were hospitalized, while others are receiving outpatient treatment.
The damage to the Sumy indoor arena is a particularly heavy blow for Ukrainian athletics. The venue is one of the few in the country capable of hosting national indoor competitions. After the loss of other facilities, Sumy became the center of Ukraine’s indoor athletics calendar. In 2021 alone, the arena hosted five national championships across different age categories.
The arena has also welcomed some of Ukraine’s biggest stars. World record holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh has competed and won here multiple times, making the venue a key stage for elite performances.
Notably, the arena was scheduled to host the Ukrainian Indoor Championships for adults and youth in February 2022. Many athletes had already arrived in Sumy, but the competition was canceled following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Ukrainian Olympic bronze medalist Anna Ryzhykova commented on the attack:
Today Russia struck theindoor “athleticsarena in Sumy..
Thisplace was! neverjusta building For me, itwas apartof my life. Every winter, Ukrainian championshipswereheldthere-moments ofvictories, nerves hefore the start, support, emotions youcan tever forget.it was, withoutexaggeration. the zhestindoor arena in Ukraine.
So many memories..Somuch hard work, dreams, and moments thatshapeyouas both anathlete andaperson.
It is hard to find the words to describe the pain of seeing our home -the best indoor track arena in Ukraine reduced to rubble. For years, this wasn’t just a building, it was where our first victories were achieved
Q Sumy, Sumy Oblast, U
Just hours before the full-scale invasion in 2022 began, we were still here, training on this very track. This arena wasn’t just a facility; it was a second home that welcomed athletes from every corner of Ukraine. To see it like this is to see a piece of our lives shattered.
