On June 13, 2026, the inaugural “SCO Cycling Cup: 25 Years Together” was grandly held at Beijing Wenyuhe Park to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the SCO. The event was organized by the SCO Secretariat and the SCO Business Council Secretariat, and co-organized by China Sports International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd. As a supporting organization, SCOLAR Network actively participated in and witnessed this celebration of sports and friendship.
SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech in the rain. He compared the riders to lions braving the wind and rain, noting that sports serve as an important vehicle for deepening people-to-people exchanges and building mutual understanding within the SCO family.
Sergey Kanavsky, Executive Secretary of the SCO Business Council Secretariat, sent a video message. He stated that sport is one of the most effective areas for promoting international cooperation, helping people get to know, understand and respect each other, thereby effectively advancing comprehensive cooperation across the SCO region.
The race covered a distance of 12 kilometers and was divided into three categories: A, B and C. More than one hundred people took part, including diplomats from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners stationed in China, as well as representatives from relevant Chinese government departments. After fierce competition, a rider from Russia won the championship; riders from China and Russia tied for second place; and riders from India, China and Russia won third place. The organizers presented prizes and commemorative gifts to all participants.
SCOLAR has always been committed to uniting youth through educational, cultural and sports projects, and deepening regional cooperation. This Cycling Cup was not only a sporting contest but also a vivid practice of young people from different countries getting to know each other and working together. In the future, SCOLAR will continue to join hands with partners to promote more youth exchange programme and contribute youthful vitality to building an ever closer community with a shared future.
