Russian commission proposes student sport measure for university rectors

Russia's State Council sports commission proposed considering a performance measure for university rectors based on students' participation in regional competitions. Dmitry Milyaev chaired the October 9 meeting in Moscow.

RIA Novosti, citing the Tula regional government, said the measure would count the share of students who belong to sports clubs, hold no sporting ranks or titles and compete regionally. The Science and Higher Education Ministry was asked to consider it. No mandatory criterion has yet been introduced.

Regions without approved student sport programs were advised to complete them by the end of 2026. Mikhail Degtyarev recalled the cross-sector program through 2030 adopted in 2025. The regional government said 39 student leagues have been created and 180 events, including international competitions, are planned for 2026.

Olga Petrova and Alexander Bugayev reported on university and vocational education sport. Tatyana Yakovleva proposed sharing medical support practices and testing the Federal Medical-Biological Agency's student athlete model in Tula Region. Milyaev requested a list of universities with strong medical support practices.

Participants also discussed Vladimir Mineev's proposals on patriotic education. The commission called for a stronger coordinating role for the Russian Student Sports Union, a register of clubs and leagues, and adaptive sport opportunities for students with disabilities.

A presidential council meeting on organizing competitions is planned for October. In December, the commission intends to review its working groups, assess 2026 results and approve next year's plan.