On April 9, 2026, the Russian-Vietnamese Culture and Sports Festival took place at the Hanoi Finance and Banking University as part of the International Scientific and Educational Forum "Russia–Vietnam: Uniting Knowledge, Aspirations, and Values."
Welcoming festival participants, Stanislav Prokofiev, Rector of the Financial University, remarked: "Today marks a significant occasion as we launch the Russian-Vietnamese Culture and Sports Festival, officially included in the program of the Cross-Year of Scientific and Educational Cooperation between Russia and Vietnam. This is a great honor and a special responsibility that underscores the importance of our event. The festival has brought together not only leadership and faculty from both countries but also the heart of any university—its students. It is they who will serve as ambassadors of goodwill and, through their efforts, strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between our nations."
Mr. Bui Xuan Bien, Chairman of the Board of Hanoi Finance and Banking University, emphasized: "Hosting the Russian-Vietnamese Culture and Sports Festival is not only a great honor for our university but also an opportunity to demonstrate our readiness for close collaboration with members of the Russia-Vietnam Consortium of Economic Universities. We aim to create a space for exchange rich in national character, openness, and sincerity—a place where every glance, smile, and handshake becomes a thread connecting our peoples."
The opening ceremony was also attended by Vladimir Murashkin, Director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Hanoi, who highlighted the vital role of educational cooperation and student exchanges in strengthening ties between Russia and Vietnam.
The Culture and Sports Festival aims to promote and popularize Russian-Vietnamese cultural heritage, strengthen friendly connections among student youth from both countries, and foster a shared space for intercultural dialogue. Students from the Financial University, under the guidance of Sergey Gavrilov, Director of the University Sports Club, presented Gorodki—a traditional Russian game and the Financial University's signature corporate sport, combining refined technique, precision, and deep respect for history. Vietnamese students and faculty had a unique opportunity to try their hand at the game and discover new facets of Russian culture.
As part of the festival, friendly sports matches were held between student teams. Awards for the competition winners were presented by Financial University Rector Stanislav Prokofiev and Grigory Ostapenko, Vice-Rector for Digitalization. Interactive zones showcasing the cultural traditions of Russia and Vietnam were set up across the campus of Hanoi University of Finance and Banking. The event also featured a parade of delegations and an exhibition of educational programs offered by Russian universities, including the Financial University.
