The BRICS Friendship Cup was held on 9 June. Six teams from leading universities of Nizhny Novgorod Region took part in it. The teams represented Russia, China, India, Iran, Latin America and Africa.

Sergey Ryabkov, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, opened the event. He emphasised the unifying power of football, praising the Nizhny Novgorod authorities and local universities for the opportunity.

Olga Guseva, Minister of International and Interregional Relations of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, also noted the importance of the event. "This football tournament, which precedes the meeting of foreign ministers, is a special event symbolising unity, friendship and aspiration for common prosperity. I hope that the BRICS Peoples' Friendship Cup will become a great tradition and the colourful matches will be held annually, uniting athletes and fans from the BRICS countries," Guseva said.

The sports event was also visited by Xiang Bo, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Kazan.

"China and Russia are close friends, reliable and strategic partners. I believe that today's event will contribute to the development and strengthening of friendly relations between Nizhny Novgorod Region and China," Xiang Bo said.

The third place went to the Iranian team, while the silver medallists were the African team. The winner of the BRICS Peoples' Friendship Cup was Russia. The awards were presented to all participants by Dmitry Kabaylo, Minister of Sport of Nizhny Novgorod Region.

(Source: TV BRICS)