On 13 November 2026, the launch of the Open Cup of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation took place in Moscow; the decision to establish it was taken by the heads of the sports ministries of the SCO member states. Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sport and head of the Russian Olympic Committee, greeted the participants. He expressed confidence that this project would expand and become an annual event.
An SCO Secretariat staff member present at the ceremony read out a message from SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev. It was noted that sporting ties are a crucial component of humanitarian ties within the SCO and help strengthen friendship, trust and mutual understanding between the peoples of our countries. This is in keeping with the fundamental "Shanghai Spirit" and is aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The current Cup in Moscow added to the series of jubilee events in the year of the SCO's 25th anniversary and became a platform for demonstrating athletes' skills, exchanging experience, and strengthening professional and interpersonal contacts.
The competitions will run until 23 November, with more than 100 medals to be awarded in 11 sports. The next highlight will be the traditional Kunming SCO Marathon, to be held in China on 6 December.
