On 10–11 October 2026, the diplomatic football tournament "SCO Cup" was held in Beijing, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev attended the final match on 11 October and also took part in the tournament's closing and award ceremonies.
In his remarks, Nurlan Yermekbayev called the tournament a vibrant celebration of sport and friendship, noted that the tradition of holding it was established last year and successfully continues. He expressed gratitude to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in China and personally to Ambassador Igor Morgulov for the initiative and the high-level organisation of the event, and also thanked the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in China, Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli, for forming the team and participating in the tournament. He also thanked the teams of the SCO member states and the Secretariat, the organisers, referees and fans for their participation and contribution to the tournament.
The Secretary General emphasised that over 25 years the SCO has united the efforts of states for the sake of peace, security and joint development. He noted that the 25th anniversary of the SCO this year has been marked by good practical results in all areas and by a whole series of events — forums, conferences, festivals, exhibitions, round tables and other occasions. This tournament, in turn, made a significant contribution to celebrating the Organisation's anniversary.
The closing ceremony was also addressed by the Ambassadors of the Russian Federation, Igor Morgulov, and of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli.
Following the results of the tournament, first place went to the team of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the PRC, and second place to the team of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the PRC. The SCO Secretary General congratulated the winners and prize-winners of the competition, thanked all the teams for a beautiful game and their will to win, and wished the participants new sporting achievements and success.