The heads of the Olympic Committees of the Russian Federation and Indonesia signed a memorandum of cooperation

Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation and Head of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), signed a memorandum of cooperation between the national Olympic Committees of the two countries for 2025-2029 during a meeting with President of the Indonesian Olympic Committee Raja Sapta Oktohari on September 10.

It is noted that the cooperation of the countries will provide mutual support in protecting the rights of athletes to participate in international competitions without discrimination, will help the development of mass and youth sports, will assist in educational programs and grants.

"We have already started work: we are holding joint training camps and match meetings. This year, more than 190 athletes left Russia for Indonesia, compared with only four last year. We are actively developing cooperation in such sports as badminton, sambo, surfing, gymnastics, as well as sports for people with disabilities," the Russian Sports Minister said.

Degtyarev stressed that the meeting would contribute to strengthening Olympic values, respect and mutual understanding between states through sport.

In addition, Oktohari thanked the Russian side for the prompt preparation of the meeting and the signing of the document. At the same time, he noted the interest in joint development of new sports areas for Indonesia and asked for support from the Russian Federation in promoting winter sports such as hockey, biathlon and cross-country skiing.

"Even in hot climates, it is possible to train on asphalt and then train on snow in Russia. We hope for your help in this," said the President of the Indonesian Olympic Committee.

He also asked Russia to provide quotas for students from Indonesia at budget places, including in winter sports.

"The entire Global South has united in support of our athletes"

Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev — on sports diplomacy, Russian football and sports cooperation with the Global South

During the opening ceremony of his ministry's pavilion at the Eastern Economic Forum 2025 (EEF 2025) on September 4, Degtyarev said that Russia needed to return to world sports. According to him, the return of Russian athletes to the world stage should take place with universal support. The Minister stressed that the Russian Federation occupies a key place in international competitions and rightfully does so.

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