The Russian Cup Finals Draw Ceremony is set for Friday, March 7, 2025, at the press center of TASS in Moscow. This highly anticipated event will determine the matchups for the men's and women's semi-finals, marking another pivotal moment for Russian handball.
This year's draw is particularly special as it will simultaneously identify pairings for both tournaments. The men's "Final Four" will take place from April 4 to 7, involving top teams such as CSKA Moscow, Chekhovskiye Medvedi (Chekhov), SKIF Krasnodar, and Zenit St. Petersburg. Meanwhile, the women's tournament is scheduled for April 18 to 21, featuring clubs like Rostov-Don, Chernomorochka (Novorossiysk), Astrakhanochka, and Lada (Tolyatti).
One notable aspect of the draw will be the participation of well-known players from each team, bringing star power and excitement to the proceedings. The draw ceremony is not simply logistical; it is also filled with flair, as trophies for the winning teams will be showcased, along with other surprises expected to delight attendees.
Scheduled to kick off at noon (Moscow time), the event will also witness the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Russian Handball Federation and the nationwide public movement "Healthy Fatherland." This partnership marks another step toward promoting handball across the country.
Fans can tune in to the live broadcast of the ceremony on TASS’s website, their VKontakte group, and through handballtv.ru, ensuring collegial access to those eager to follow the developments as they unfurl.
Historically, the Russian Cup has been fiercely contested, with notable achievements remembered fondly. The Cup has been contested 17 times as part of its tradition, previously branded under the name Russian Oil Cup on two occasions. Chekhovskiye Medvedi has been particularly dominant, securing the title 12 times throughout its history. Other champions have emerged, including SKIF, Permskie Medvedi, Viktor, and CSKA.
The format of the "Final Four" has been the standard since 2009, and the tournament has been hosted in various cities, with Chekhov staging the competition five times, followed closely by Perm and Moscow.
On the women's side, the competition since 2006 has seen Rostov-Don capture the title on 11 occasions, reflecting their consistent high-level performance. The events have been held across different cities, adopting multiple host formats to engage local fans.
With the draw ceremony fast approaching, anticipation is building among players and fans alike. The results of this ceremony will not just set the stage for thrilling matches but will also spotlight the enduring spirit of competition and community within Russian handball.
This event promises to usher in not only exciting showdowns on the court but also signifies the unity and collaborative spirit of Russian sports as it paves the way for the upcoming finals.