Oleksandr was a dedicated supporter of the «Dynamo» football club.
On June 7, the fifth football Cup in memory of «Azov» fighter Oleksandr «Hryan» Hryanik took place in Kyiv.
This significant event was organized by the parents and friends of the fallen defender.
From a young age, Oleksandr was passionate about sports, eventually choosing football as his main interest. He frequently played with peers and participated in various tournaments, but later became deeply involved in the fan movement.
Oleksandr chose «Dynamo» as his club, and it was alongside football supporters that he began his fight during the Revolution of Dignity.
His mother, Olha, recalls: “He would often say: „I’m just going to watch, I’ll stand aside.“ Later, I saw photos online of Sanya throwing Molotov cocktails. He rarely shared much, probably to keep us calm.”
Right after the Revolution, Oleksandr wanted to join the military, but his parents convinced him to finish university first. Eventually, he insisted on his choice and enrolled in «Azov».
Meanwhile, his family urged him to return to civilian life after six years of service, a difficult and non-impulsive decision for him.
“On New Year 2022, he sent us a large Azov calendar, inside of which he had glued his discharge report. We were incredibly happy!” — recalls Olha Hryanik.
However, as soon as the full-scale invasion began, Oleksandr did not hesitate to defend Kyiv and the region. Despite this, he sought to join his comrades in besieged Mariupol.
As soon as «Hryan» learned about the planned air breakthrough to the city, he agreed immediately. On the first day in Mariupol, the fighter was wounded but refused hospitalization and stayed at «Azovstal».
Sadly, on May 8, Russian forces struck the bunker where Oleksandr was located. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Kyiv at the Lukiankivske cemetery.
Despite everything, family and friends find strength to honor «Hryan» through his beloved activities.
