#9 - Violetta Simanova, team captain and the most decorated player in our squad. A legend of Russian women’s hockey—but what’s she like off the ice? 😎

If not hockey, what sport? (And why?)
🌟 Padel at my current age. Easy to pick up, quick skill progression, competitive fun, and exciting games with different partners.

Favorite dish you cook yourself?
🌟 Syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes)—my signature dish. Could eat them forever.

Favorite childhood memory?
🌟 Age 10: Mom took me to Moscow. Our hotel booking fell through, so we ended up spending the night in a Romani camp—unforgettable! 😄 Then, with the money saved from the hotel, Mom bought me a black caviar sandwich on Red Square. Eating it while gazing at the Kremlin, I thought, “Yes! This is how life should be.” And honestly? I’ve lived that way ever since. Moved back to Moscow at 17.

Dream travel destination?
🌟 Summiting Mount Everest. 🏔️

Movie you could rewatch nightly?
🌟 Gone with the Wind (Vivien Leigh).

Coffee or tea?
🌟 Coffee. ☕

Weirdest item in your home?
🌟 A boxing punching bag dressed in a T-shirt and SKА cap.

Coolest place you’ve visited?
🌟 Recently: Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia). Two-day climb—cold, windy, rainy, but utterly breathtaking. Reached 4,095m, saw a surreal sunrise, and felt that “I did it!” rush. Would repeat in a heartbeat!

Full interview on our VK page 🫶🏻
vk.com/ih_cup