Putin Delivers Key Address at 13th 'Russia – Country of Sports' Forum in Samara

President Putin Highlights Sport's Independence and Development Goals

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a significant address at the plenary session of the 13th Russia – Country of Sports International Sports Forum in Samara on November 6, 2025. The forum, which ran from November 5 to 7, 2025, served as a major platform for discussing the future of physical culture and sports in the Russian Federation and globally.

During his speech, President Putin reiterated his stance that 'sport, along with cultural and humanitarian cooperation, must not become a hostage to conflicts or geopolitical disagreements.' He stressed the importance of equal access for athletes to international tournaments, asserting that participation should be 'based solely on their sporting achievements' and that 'there is no place for politics in sport.' Putin also highlighted Russia's commitment to developing mass sports infrastructure, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The forum's overarching theme was 'Sport for the Future: Winning Together.'

Focus on Youth and Adaptive Sports Initiatives

Beyond the plenary session, President Putin chaired a meeting of the Council for the Development of Physical Culture and Sports, where the primary focus was the advancement of children's and youth sports. This discussion aimed to strengthen the system for training young players and ensure a continuous path from children's basketball to professional leagues and national teams. The President also reviewed a presentation on a demonstration and educational center for adaptive sports, currently under construction in Samara. This facility is designed to promote over 30 adaptive disciplines, encouraging individuals with disabilities to engage in physical activity.

Key objectives outlined during the forum included:

• Expanding opportunities for engaging in sports activities, particularly for the younger generation.
• Developing advanced, accessible, and high-quality sports infrastructure.
• Promoting large-scale amateur competitions and tournaments.
• Ensuring people with disabilities have opportunities to participate in sports.

The long-term goal is to engage at least 70% of the Russian population in regular sports activities by 2030.

Forum Attracts Global Participants and Showcases Cultural Program

The 13th International Sports Forum, established by Presidential Executive Order in 2009, brought together a diverse group of attendees. These included members of federal and regional authorities, representatives from the Russian Olympic Committee and Russian Paralympic Committee, sports federations, leading sports advocates, the business community, media, and international experts. Over 3,000 delegates were expected to participate in the event, held across venues such as the Solidarity Samara Arena and the Vladimir Vysotsky Sports Palace.

In addition to the business program, the forum featured an extensive cultural program with over 60 events. A notable highlight was the 'Memory Parade' on November 7, commemorating the military parade held in Kuybyshev (now Samara) on November 7, 1941, during World War II. Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyarev also presented a unified sports kit, the 'Golden Heritage' collection, for national teams, crafted from domestic materials.

Russia's Vision for Sports Development and International Cooperation

The forum underscored Russia's ongoing strategy to strengthen its global athletic influence and promote sports diplomacy. President Putin emphasized that Russia is ready to cooperate with all who share the traditional values and principles of sports. Discussions also touched upon the increasing role of modern information technologies and the rise of new sports disciplines, such as phygital sports. The event served as a crucial platform for dialogue, exchange of experience, and the development of solutions to enhance Russia's sporting sovereignty and achieve national development goals in sports.