Gazprom-Yugra VK phenomenon: Guinness records and chef Le Cordon Bleu

IN 2025 Gazprom-Yugra celebrates its 30th anniversary since its founding

Gazprom-Yugra completed its 23rd season in the Super League, Preserving a place in the country's highest division. Surgut club - a unique phenomenon in Russian sports, History of struggle and victories, symbol of strength of spirit and devotion to volleyball. As the head coach of the Surgut team Rafael Khabibullin aptly notes, “We are included in the Guinness Book of Records for the price-quality ratio”. And it's true: representing a rich region, Gazprom-Yugra has a modest budget, but always demonstrates a decent game, discovers new talents and popularizes a healthy lifestyle.

In the volleyball world, the Surgut club has long been perceived as a springboard for young players, as a test of strength and as a place, where you can find harmony of mind and body. After all, there is something more behind sports achievements., than just a game.

The way to yourself

The principles of a healthy lifestyle and awareness are actively introduced here. At the origins of this philosophy is the permanent head coach - Rafael Habibullin, a person with phenomenal intuition and inexhaustible energy. His decisions are often unpredictable, but always aimed at achieving the goal.

A few years ago, Rafael Talgatovich surprised everyone with his transformation: reconsidering your approach to nutrition, he lost some weight 44 kilograms! This personal experience became the starting point for a new stage in the team’s development. Food quality, body quality, game quality, quality of life - this principle became the basis of the philosophy of Gazprom-Yugra.

An important tradition of the club is team lunches on game day - a kind of ritual., including delicious dishes from around the world and communication in an informal setting. Athletes immerse themselves in the world of Italian tastes, France, Greece, Spain and, of course, Of Russia.

Breakfasts are organized on an individual basis., representatives of the youth team often find themselves at the same table with the head coach and experienced players. For young volleyball players, this is not only an opportunity to learn from experience, but also feel like part of a big family, join the traditions and philosophy of the club.

A dish from the boss

What other Super League club can boast of, that lunches for the team are prepared by a certified chef from the French culinary academy Le Cordon Bleu? Perhaps, only Gazprom-Yugra. The author of the exclusive menu went through a difficult and exciting path of learning at school, where the world's best chefs aspire to be.

Pumpkin cream soup, onion soup, buyabes, Venison tartare, exclusive salads, lasagna... This is only a small part of the volleyball players' menu. Alkaline water is a must before meals.. There are always fresh seasonal vegetables on the table, walnuts, northern berries and baked apples. The main rule is that all products must be fresh and of high quality., and dishes are prepared immediately before serving. There is no place for “yesterday’s borscht” or salad from the refrigerator: the chef cooks just enough, how much is needed.

And this approach resonates with professional athletes, getting a unique opportunity to dine in the best restaurants in the world, but with a unique Ugra flavor.

The philosophy of life of Gazprom-Yugra is not just sports results, This is a comprehensive approach to personal development, based on harmony of body and spirit, healthy lifestyle and striving for excellence. This is what, what makes this club special and attractive not only for players, but also for the fans.

Next year Gazprom-Yugra celebrates the 30th anniversary of its founding. The club hopes for the support of district and city authorities in the implementation of ambitious plans.