On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the first "SCO Cycling Cup: 25 Years Together" was held in Beijing, initiated by the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and supported by the Secretariat of the SCO Business Council. The event was timed to coincide with the celebration of the SCO's anniversary.
The opening ceremony began with a traditional Chinese lion dance. SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev delivered welcoming remarks, highlighting the importance of sports diplomacy as a tool for international cooperation across the Organisation's space. Speaking as raindrops began to fall, replacing the summer heat, he compared the cycling tournament participants to lions competing in any weather conditions.
He emphasized that during the SCO's anniversary year, the Secretariat initiated the first cycling tournament under the slogan "25 Years Together." The tradition of organizing sporting events to strengthen cultural exchanges and mutual understanding among the peoples of the large "SCO family" continues.
More than 100 people took part in the tournament – staff of diplomatic missions and other foreign representations of member states, observers and dialogue partners, as well as representatives of Chinese government agencies. A buffet reception and a cultural program were prepared for the guests.
An awards ceremony for the winners took place. Given that the competition consisted of three group heats, three prize winners were determined for each podium place. Third place was taken by representatives of India, China and Russia. Second place was shared by China and Russia. The gold medals were won by Russian athletes. All tournament participants received prizes and commemorative gifts.
The "SCO Cycling Cup: 25 Years Together" became a true celebration of sport and friendship, confirming the commitment of the Organisation's member states to further strengthening cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and partnership, and to promoting people-to-people contacts.