Extensive cooperation between Russia and China in the framework of sports competitions is rooted in a strategic comprehensive partnership, according to Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation and head of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC). Degtyarev announced this at the opening ceremony of the 10th Russian-Chinese Youth Summer Sports Games in Kaliningrad Region on May 25.
“We are friends with the People’s Republic of China, we cooperate — we have sports exchanges, joint competitions, and training camps. And all this is based on a strategic comprehensive partnership,” Degtyarev stated.
The Minister noted that 12 sports will participate in the event, including sambo and wushu, national martial arts popular in both countries. He also highlighted the symbolic significance of hosting the Games in Kaliningrad, coinciding with the region’s 80th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Degtyarev emphasized China’s active support for Russian sports initiatives within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS. He also confirmed that friendly matches featuring women’s national football teams are scheduled as part of the event.
Additionally, Degtyarev attended the SCO Sports Ministers’ summit held on May 1, where a new format for the SCO Games was approved. The revised framework will establish the tournament as year-round with competitions hosted across multiple countries, including Russia organizing events in 10 sports.
