Sergey Kolunov, a deputy in the State Duma of the Russian Federation, has put forward a proposal to make the GTO standards mandatory in Russian schools. He reportedly addressed a formal request to the country’s Minister of Education, Sergey Kravtsov, urging consideration of tying the GTO program to compulsory physical education in schools, as reported by RIA News.
In his proposal, the lawmaker argues for including a clause that requires students to complete the GTO standards as part of their physical culture curriculum. He adds that exemptions should be limited strictly to students who have medical contraindications to sport, and he emphasizes that health considerations must take precedence in any policy decision.
Kolunov’s letter to the Minister calls for support and for possible amendments to current Russian Federation legislation to reflect this initiative. The deputy notes that the GTO complex once served as a cornerstone of effective physical education for children, recalling guidelines that were standard during the Soviet era and highlighting the value of following those historical recommendations to promote healthier, more active lifestyles for students today.
Earlier in December, a remarkable milestone drew attention in Yeisk, where an 85-year-old teacher successfully completed the GTO standards with the gold medal. The achievement was reported by the Kub Mash Telegram channel, which noted that this teacher stood out as the sole senior educator among his peers to attain such a result, illustrating the enduring appeal and adaptability of the GTO framework across generations.
There is also a broader anecdote about a former eight-year-old student who reportedly performed more than 500 push-ups while meeting the GTO standards, underscoring the program’s long-standing emphasis on discipline, endurance, and physical literacy from a very young age.
In contemporary discussions, advocates of GTO advocate for a modernized approach that retains the spirit of the original program while incorporating current health science, inclusive practices, and safe training guidelines. They argue that integrating GTO into mandatory schooling could provide a clear, structured pathway for students to develop physical competence, resilience, and regular exercise habits that contribute to lifelong well-being. Critics, meanwhile, caution that any policy should be implemented with careful attention to resource allocation, accessibility, and individualized health considerations, ensuring that participation supports all students without compromising safety or inclusivity. The debate touches on education policy, public health imperatives, and the broader issue of how nations prepare their youth to lead active, healthy lives in a modern context.