A friendly table tennis tournament was held at the Vertolet Youth Center in the capital of Tatarstan, serving as a practical lesson in public diplomacy and intercultural dialogue. The event, organized on the eve of Diplomatic Workers' Day, brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps and the republic’s active youth.
"Such events are a wonderful opportunity to go beyond the framework of official protocol. On the court, communication becomes more open and direct, which certainly has a positive effect on mutual understanding and professional work. Sport truly unites," said Radik Vakhitov, the representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kazan.
The initiative was launched by the Representative Office of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kazan together with the Academy of Youth Diplomacy. The organizers stated that the goal of the tournament was to strengthen professional and human ties, promote a healthy lifestyle, and create bridges between experienced diplomats and the future generation of international affairs specialists.
Dilbar Sadykova, the Chair of the Academy of Youth Diplomacy, noted that such formats are an important part of the organization's work: "The Academy is engaged in the development of international youth cooperation, the involvement of our youth in the global community, and is also a 'window' for all foreigners interested in Tatarstan. Today's informal event, involving practicing diplomats and active youth, is an excellent opportunity for establishing informal contacts. The young people not only help in the organization but also communicate, get acquainted with the profession, and show how friendly, athletic, and active Tatarstan is."
Representatives from six foreign consulates took part in the competitions. Four acting Consuls General—from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Turkmenistan—as well as diplomats from the missions of Turkey and China, took up their rackets. Their partners in the games were activists from the Academy of Youth Diplomacy.
In anticipation of their professional holiday, the participants emphasized the value of informal communication. Yerlan Iskakov, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Kazan, noted: "Tennis is a sport familiar to many since childhood; it creates a special atmosphere. Such meetings build bridges between countries and generations and contribute to the development of friendly ties."
Davoud Mirzakhani, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kazan, thanked the organizers: "This is my first time participating in this event. It is a wonderful, informal, and friendly atmosphere. I hope such meetings will become a good tradition."
For the international relations students, the tournament was a unique experience. Amir Bikkinyayev, an activist of the Academy of Youth Diplomacy and a student at Kazan Federal University, shared: "Playing in a pair with a Consul General is a great honor and a valuable lesson. You see that diplomats are not only officials but also open people with a sense of humor and a sincere interest in dialogue. Such practical experience is invaluable for our professional development."
The tournament demonstrated that diplomacy is not only about negotiations in offices but also about live human communication, where trust and mutual interest are built, among other things, through a shared passion for sports.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"