Russian Chess Team Celebrates SCO Victory and Anthem Privileges
A state Duma deputy named Svetlana Zhurova delivered remarks to the organizers after the Russian team secured a victory at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization SCO chess tournament held in China. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to Russian athletes to perform the national anthem and display the flag on the winner’s stage. The moment was described as a meaningful affirmation of the team’s achievements and the broader ties between the participating nations.
In conversations with RT, Zhurova reflected on the significance of the moment. She praised the relationship Russia shares with China and emphasized the importance of recognizing the effort and discipline demonstrated by the chess players who traveled to compete. Her comments highlighted the public display of national symbols as a source of pride for the athletes and the country they represent.
The deputy also noted that there would be critics who might attempt to downplay the magnitude of the competition. She urged not to underestimate the level of competition or the impact of the Russian victories, underscoring that every win in such an international field matters and reflects the quality of preparation and teamwork behind the players.
Zhurova described the organizers as upholding the true spirit of sport by aligning actions with the fundamental principles that guide international competition. She praised the fair play and mutual respect evident in how the event was conducted, which she said adds to the sport’s integrity and appeal for fans around the world.
The tournament took place last Friday with Russian chess players joining hosts and other national teams. In addition to Russia and China, participants came from Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The lineup demonstrated a diverse field and the shared passion for chess that unites competitors across continents, creating a stage where skill, strategy, and sportsmanship are all on display.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously praised the actions of international sports officials regarding the treatment of Russian athletes, a sentiment that echoed across discussions about the SCO event. The praise underscores ongoing conversations about how national teams engage with international sporting events and the role of symbolically meaningful moments, like the national anthem and flag, in reinforcing national pride on a global stage.