A stunning place you want to show everyone: Olympic champion Nikolai Zimyatov visits the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra
Participants in the Russian Cross-Country Skiing Championships (roller skiing) visited the National Centre RUSSIA in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra and explored the permanent exposition dedicated to the region. Four-time Olympic champion Nikolai Zimyatov was the guest of honour.
For many athletes, the tour of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra was their first opportunity to discover the region not only through sporting events, but also through its history, culture, natural environment and modern life.
"I have probably been to Khanty-Mansiysk about ten times and come here almost every year. But this is my first time at the Centre. To be honest, I am amazed and impressed by what I have seen. I am deeply grateful to everyone who brought this idea to life and made the decision to create such a space," Nikolai Zimyatov shared his impressions.
According to the Olympic champion, the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra could become one of the main attractions for visitors to Khanty-Mansiysk, particularly during major events and sporting contests: "There is a wealth of information here that people should know about Yugra, the city and its natural environment. I think the Centre has a great future. It even makes me want to invite some of my friends and relatives here and show it to them. I do not want simply to see all of this myself — I want to show it to someone else. It is a stunning place."
For athlete Anastasia Podmarkova from the Voronezh Region, the trip to Yugra was her first introduction to the region. During the tour, she noted that the exposition helped her immerse herself in the region’s history and see how its traditions are connected with modern Yugra. The guest also highlighted the exposition’s format: screens, projectors and interactive features that turn the information from a collection of facts into a genuine journey through the region.
The Russian Roller Skiing Championships are being held in Khanty-Mansiysk from 17 to 24 August 2026. This year, 179 athletes from 29 Russian regions and Kazakhstan are vying for victory. The National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra is also becoming part of the region’s sporting life by welcoming participants and guests attending major contests.
The White Sea and Lake Onega sites were the first Russian examples of ancient cave images, rock paintings and petroglyphs to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The National Centre RUSSIA exposition "See Yugra — Fall in Love with Russia!" in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra welcomed its 50,000th visitor.
