Kazakh field hockey legend Farid Zigangirov dies
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Farid Zigangirov, a bronze medalist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and 13-time Soviet champion in field hockey, has died. He was a former captain of Almaty's Dynamo and later became a coach. The news was reported by Kazinform on August 22, 2026.
Key Facts
- Farid Zigangirov won a bronze medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics as a member of the USSR field hockey team.
- He was a 13-time USSR champion, winning titles from 1973 to 1987.
- Zigangirov was a two-time European Champions Cup winner and a five-time USSR Cup winner.
- He served as captain of Almaty's Dynamo, a leading Soviet field hockey club.
- After retiring, Zigangirov became a coach and was awarded the title of Honored Coach of Kazakhstan.
Olympic and Soviet Titles
Farid Zigangirov was a defender in field hockey and achieved major international and all-Union successes during his career. He won a bronze medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics as part of the USSR national team. Zigangirov was a 13-time USSR champion, with titles spanning from 1973 to 1987. He also won the European Champions Cup twice and the USSR Cup five times. For his outstanding achievements, he was awarded the title of Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.
Dynamo Captaincy and Legacy
A significant part of Zigangirov's career was tied to Almaty's Dynamo, a club that led the development of field hockey in the USSR. He was not just a player but the captain of the team, and his teammates valued his character, professionalism, and dedication to the sport. Zigangirov was born on August 15, 1954, in Kirov, where he began his career at the local club Rodina. In 1973, he moved to Almaty's Dynamo, where he switched from bandy to field hockey and achieved his major titles. After ending his playing career, Zigangirov became a coach and was awarded the title of Honored Coach of Kazakhstan.
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Kazakh field hockey legend Farid Zigangirov dies
