- Title: Russian Cossacks wield razor-sharp sabres in talent showdown
- Date: 14th August 2019
- Summary: SVERDLOVSK REGION, RUSSIA (AUGUST 10, 2019) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF MAN IN TRADITIONAL COSSACK CLOTHING TAKING PART IN CHALLENGE TO CHOP DOWN WOODEN STICKS WITH SABRE
- Embargoed: 28th August 2019 16:28
- Keywords: Russia Cossacks sabre competition single-edged sabres Russia traditional weapon Cossacks sabres shashkas
- Location: SVERDLOVSK REGION, RUSSIA
- City: SVERDLOVSK REGION, RUSSIA
- Country: Russia
- Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA001ASBV32X
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Sabre wielding Russian Cossacks put their talent to the test at a recent competition in the Urals region of Sverdlovsk.
Slashing through wood with their razor-sharp 'shashkas', traditional Russian single-edged sabres, competitors raced against each other to prove their dexterity and strength.
To make the top cut in the tournament, competitors from around Russia had to complete challenges with speed and precision, with a watchful jury giving out points for technique, as shashkas clipped through various targets rapidly.
Alexei Teterin told Reuters the competition was tough, with most competitors already topping their local tournaments across Russia.
Competitors wore straps around their wrists securing the sabre in place to prevent the lethal weapons from slipping out of their hands in the heat of the contest.
By tradition Cossacks were once the patrolmen of Russia's borderlands. They were a self-ruled social group of warriors loyal to the Russian Tsar and served in special units of the Russian army but later faced persecution including systematic killings and deportation at the hands of communists following the Russian revolution.
Cossacks have enjoyed a rapid revival since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, becoming a staunchly conservative social force.
(Production: Alexander Pughachev, Dmitry Turlyun) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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