Section II “The Role of Sports Diplomacy in the Modern World” held at the Primakov Centre on April 23, 2025 as Part of “VI Week of Russian Diplomacy”. Experts from various countries discussed current issues of using sports as a tool for international cooperation and peacebuilding.
The session featured the following speakers:
Eduardo Villegas Mejías, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to Russia, shared insights on sports development in Mexico. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of sports in strengthening cultural ties and enhancing mutual understanding between nations.
Mikhail Vladimirovich Khorev, Special Representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry for International Sports Cooperation, spoke on “Russia’s Sports Diplomacy,” highlighting the significance of promoting national interests through sports and developing international cooperation based on principles of fairness and mutual respect.
Ekaterina Gennadievna Torubarova, Head of the Public Diplomacy Department at Rossotrudnichestvo, explored “The Role of Sports Diplomacy in the Modern World” from the perspective of public diplomacy, underscoring its importance in shaping a positive image of Russia abroad.
Mary Rafaelevna Avdalyan, Senior Research Fellow at the Department of African Studies, ISAA, Lomonosov Moscow State University, presented an insightful analysis on “Kirsty Coventry and IOC Politics: A Chance for New Dialogue or Continued Isolation?” sparking a lively discussion about the role of international sports organizations in today’s world.
Ruslana Salamova, Russian and world champion in hand-to-hand combat and a student at Samara University, shared her personal experience and vision of “The Role of Sports in the Modern World,” noting that sports cultivate mental strength, discipline, and respect for opponents.
Key discussion topics included:
- The role of sports diplomacy in the current geopolitical landscape.
- The contribution of sports to shaping a positive image of countries on the international stage.
- The use of sports for fostering youth cooperation and strengthening humanitarian ties.
The session was conducted in an open discussion format, with participants asking questions and exchanging views.
Photo: Alexander Zaitsev | “Illuminator” Photo Club named after V.A. Kakovkin
