🏆 MGIMO — Champion of the XXV Rector’s Cup in Mini-Football On June 7, the XXV Rector’s Cup in mini-football, dedicated to Russia Day, took place at the University’s football stadium. For the first time, the MGIMO team became the tournament champion. ⚽️ The competition featured 32 teams representing diplomats of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies of foreign countries in Russia: Azerbaijan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Venezuela, Vietnam, Indonesia, Yemen, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Laos, UAE, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Ecuador; as well as the Latin American teams "Atlético World" and "Unión Internacional" (which united representatives from Ecuador, Yemen, Chad, Benin, Madagascar); the team "Krasny Molot" (Red Hammer), which has participated in the tournament since 2001 (most of its players are the now-grown children of MGIMO graduates — the team was founded by German citizens under the steady captaincy of A. Schumann); the team of the general sponsor — Snegiri Development company; and the team of the University’s professors and staff. ⚡️ At noon, the opening ceremony and parade of participants were held on the pitch. To the march of the orchestra of the Military University of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the teams marched in front of the guest of honor tribune carrying national flags and signs of their countries; the parade was led by the referee team from the Moscow Football Federation. 🎤 As is tradition, the ceremony was opened by Anatoly Torkunov, MGIMO Rector, RAS Academician, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. He warmly greeted everyone gathered at the University stadium and reminded that the first Rector’s Cup in 2001 featured 15 teams from foreign embassies, while this year there are 32, proving the tournament generates interest and attracts more sports enthusiasts. 💬 Tanju Bilgiç, tournament’s guest of honor, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. The Ambassador noted that he is glad to be at MGIMO — a leading university and a forge of diplomats; he also welcomed everyone, wished the participants a good game, and thanked the University Rector for inviting the Embassy team to take part in the tournament. 🌐 Ramil Sanatullov, General Director of Snegiri Development — the tournament’s long-time sponsor — noted that sport unites people of different nationalities. On behalf of the University, he was presented with a letter of gratitude from the Rector addressed to the founder of the company, Alexander Chigirinsky, for many years of support for the competition. ⭐️ Sergey Khusainov, legendary Soviet and Russian footballer, FIFA referee, a guest of honor at the event, greeted the participants and guests of the Rector’s Cup, remarking that football is more than just a game; the flying ball captures the attention of people from different nationalities, fostering friendship and unity. 🏆 All participants and distinguished guests received from the University and the general sponsor participant diplomas for the XXV Rector’s Cup and commemorative prizes — T-shirts and souvenirs with the emblems of MGIMO, the XXV Rector’s Cup, and the sponsor’s logo — Snegiri. 🥇 The champion of the anniversary XXV Rector’s Cup for the first time in the tournament’s history is the MGIMO team! 🥈 The silver prize went to the team of the tournament’s general sponsor — Snegiri company. 🥉 Third place also for the first time in the competition’s history went to the Embassy of Cambodia team — the largest team in the tournament’s opening parade. Congratulations to the winners and prize-winners, and thank you to all teams for participating! 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)