On May 25, 2026, the Luzhniki Olympic Complex hosted the inaugural International Student Track and Field Games, organized under the auspices of the International Movement for Financial Security, which brings together students from over 50 universities. The Movement was officially launched at its founding conference on September 17, 2024, held at Financial University.
The competitions took place at the Luzhniki sports facilities and featured track races, the long jump, mixed relays, and inclusive events for athletes with disabilities. The tournament served as more than just a sporting event; it provided a platform for fostering inter-university collaboration, uniting 400 students from 33 countries worldwide.
The opening ceremony of the inaugural Games began with welcoming remarks from the organizers and project partners.
Yury Chikhanchin, Director of the Federal Financial Monitoring Service (Rosfinmonitoring), highlighted the importance of the event for the participants and emphasized its role in advancing international student cooperation.
"I congratulate you on the launch of the 1st International Student Track and Field Games for members of the International Movement for Financial Security. The winners of the competition will have the opportunity to participate in the final stage of the International Olympiad on Financial Security in Krasnoyarsk this September. I wish you success—it's all in your hands!" Chikhanchin stated.
Petr Fradkov, Chairman of the All-Russia Athletics Federation and Chairman of PSB Bank, also addressed the participants. He emphasized that the Games bridge sporting values with the goals of financial security:
"Nearly 400 future professionals showed today that track and field and financial security have a lot in common—discipline, strategy, and team spirit. These Games are a contribution to shaping a new generation of finance professionals for whom sport becomes an integral part of their worldview."
Financial University students delivered a strong performance at the competition, demonstrating excellent athletic preparation and securing medals in the sprint events. Following the tournament, Nikita Sysoev, a student at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Mass Communications, won silver in the 200-meter dash, while Elizaveta Zhigulina, a student at the Faculty of Economics and Business, took bronze in the 100-meter dash.
Alexander Kozharinov, Vice-Rector for Social and Extracurricular Activities at the Financial University, noted that hosting such competitions is vital for the development of student sports and the expansion of inter-university ties:
"Financial University was at the forefront of this initiative. The competition is just establishing itself as a tradition, and already a large number of universities have joined. This is a state-backed program aimed at supporting the student community and developing the sports movement."
The students from the Financial University noted that their main goals were to represent their university with dignity, achieve personal bests, and enjoy the positive experience of competing.
The Games concluded with an official awards ceremony. The event marked a significant milestone for the student sports community and reinforced the role of the International Movement for Financial Security as a global platform for uniting youth and promoting both educational and sports initiatives.
