Development of physical culture and sports in rural areas of the Stalingrad (Volgograd) region in 1953–1964

Introduction. The article considers the development of physical culture and sports in rural areas of the Stalingrad (Volgograd) region during the so-called Khrushchev Thaw. Methods and materials. The article is based on the documents of the current office work of the regional authorities, regional councils of voluntary sports societies “Kolkhoznik” and “Urozhai,” as well as on the materials of the periodical press. The method of comparative analysis was used, with the help of which the dynamics of the development of the material base and results of rural athletes were established. Analysis. The article shows the state of physical culture and sports in the village of the Stalingrad region by 1953, the activities of local government bodies, and rural voluntary sports societies in the development of physical culture and sports. The development of the material and technical base, mass physical culture, and individual sports is traced; the results of performances of rural athletes at the largest competitions of the country during the study period; and the achievements, problems, and shortcomings of rural physical culture and sports in the Volgograd region by 1964 are characterized.