On 19th May 2024 – the day marking the 156th anniversary of the birth of Emperor Nicholas II – a new bust-monument of him was installed on the grounds of the Military Institute of Physical Culture (VIFK), in St. Petersburg.

The event was part of the celebrations marking the 115th anniversary of the Military Institute of Physical Culture (VIFK). The event was attended by St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov and State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Nikolai Pankov, both of whom took part in the unveiling and dedication of the bust-monument of Emperor Nicholas II.

On 17th (O.S. 4th) May 1909, Emperor Nicholas II formally granted the provisional regulations for military sports education, which were the basis for the formation of the current institute. The school opened its doors on 14th (O.S. 1st) October 1909 in St Petersburg as the Main Gymnastics and Fencing School, which reported to the Commander of the Imperial Guard/Commanding General, of the St. Petersburg Military District and whose first cadets were military personnel of the Guards units and personnel of the district.

The Military Institute of Physical Culture is the only and one of the oldest military educational institutions in Russia, which provides training and retraining of specialists in the field of physical culture and sports for ministries and departments of the Russian Federation.

In his dedication speech, Governor Alexander Beglov noted: “Nicholas II was the most athletic emperor in Russia’s history. He was a passionate tennis player, he enjoyed all forms of phsical activity, such as cycling, hiking, swimming and rowing, he was excellent at shooting, skiing. He supported sports in Russia. By his example, he brought sports and physical activity to the masses. In addition, it was Nicholas II who brought the rules of *ice hockey to Russia. Now it is a national sport and a favorite game of millions of Russians. * Nicholas II enjoyed playing hockey.

“As our President has repeatedly emphasized, continuity is also important in sports. We must not forget our worthy ancestors. The Institute embodies this wish of the President,” said Alexander Beglov.

Governor Alexander Beglov further added that the bust of Nicholas II will remind contemporaries of the Tsar’s econtribution to the development of sports and sporting societies in Russia, and to the creation of a system of physical training for officers of the Russian army.

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NOTE: since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, more than 100 monuments, busts and memorial plaques to Emperor Nicholas II have been installed in cities, towns and villages across the Russian Federation. In addition, are a number of churches dedicated to him.

© Paul Gilbert. 19 May 2024