The Global Trade & Technology Council (India) [GTTCI] proudly participated in the prestigious Samara Sports Forum 2025, held on November 5, 2025, at the Solidarity Samara Arena, Russia. The international gathering brought together leading sports ministers, federation heads, and global sports representatives to deliberate on the growing role of sports in promoting international cooperation, peace, and unity.
Dr. Rashmi Saluja, President of the Curling Federation of India (CFI) and Chairperson of GTTCI, participated as a distinguished panelist in the session titled “Sport Beyond Borders: New Horizons of Interaction.” The discussion emphasized sport’s universal mission to transcend borders, strengthen understanding among nations, and inspire youth worldwide.
Speaking at the session sports beyond borders, Dr saluja advocated about sports being a neutral platform and a sportsman should never be denied to live the moment of his life for which he has prepared all his life. Sports is above politics and it’s an industry so enormous that it should never be affected by geopolitics and judgements of people who knows nothing about sports. As the president of curling federation of india she extends full support to Russia and Belarus for being part of bigger sporting competitions. Thanks to Russia for giving more than just mighty spirit of sports but also great atheles and sporting infra to the world.
The session featured an eminent panel that included Mr. Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation; President, Russian Olympic Committee, Mr. Alexey Svirin, President, Russian Rowing Federation; Olympic Champion in Rowing, Mr. Zoran Gajic, Minister of Sports of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Sergey Kovalchuk, Minister of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus, Mr. Vasily Konov, Deputy General Producer, Match TV, Mr. Alexey Zolotarev, President, Russian Padel Federation, Taras Khagba, Vice Prime Minister; Chairman of Committee for Youth and Sport of the Republic of Abkhazia, Mr. Ilya Vdovin, President, Russian Skateboarding Federation, Mr. Joe Walchli, CEO, World Curling Tour, Patrick McQuaid, President, Union Cycliste Internationale (2005–2013); Member, International Olympic Committee (2009–2013), Mr. Thierry Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, President, Madagascar Olympic Committee, Mr. Viktor Huszar, Co-Founder, International Teqball Federation, Mr. Soslan Gassiev, Commissioner on Youth Policy and Sports of the Republic of South Ossetia, Mr. Michel Dissake Mbarga, Inspector General, Ministry of Sports and Physical Education of the Republic of Cameroon, Mr. Jocelin-Patrick Mandzela, Honorary Consul of the Republic of the Congo in St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region; Mr. Daniel Perez Sequeira, Co-Director, Nicaraguan Institute of Sport, Mr. Anselem Sanyatwe, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Mr. Anuu-Yirtole Roland Somda, Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment of Burkina Faso, Mr. Abdoul Kassim Ibrahim Fomba, Minister of Youth and Sports, Responsible for Civic Education and the Formation of Civic Consciousness in the Republic of Mali.
Also participating from India, Mr. Shubham Gupta, Director of GTTCI and Chief Operating Officer of the Curling Federation of India, actively took part in the forum, engaging with global sports representatives to explore avenues for collaboration and talent exchange.
On the sidelines of the forum, Dr. Rashmi Saluja engaged in a meaningful exchange with H.E. Siarhei Kavalchuk, Minister of Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus, and H.E. Mr. Jan Kuznetsov, Minister of Sports for Primorkiy Krai (Vladivostok) of the Russian Federation. She held insightful discussions with H.E. Siarhei Kavalchuk on strengthening India–Belarus collaboration in sports training, cultural exchange, and youth engagement, while also exploring tri-nation cooperation between India, Russia, and Belarus to promote sports diplomacy and shared growth.
On the sidelines of the forum, Dr. Rashmi Saluja met Ms. Svetlana Leksina, Head of sports department (Minister) of Magadan region along with Mr. Anton Batugin of the Russian Curling Federation and Mr. Joe Walkley from the World Curling Tour
At the prize distribution ceremony of the Ice Curling Championship, Dr. Rashmi Saluja addressed the gathering and applauded the participating teams for their remarkable display of sportsmanship and determination. She encouraged the athletes to “go for gold” and expressed her enthusiasm to soon see them compete at the World Curling Championship. Dr. Saluja also awarded the winners with medals, celebrating their dedication and excellence on the ice.
At the Curling Championship, Dr. Rashmi Saluja felicitated Mr. Dmitry Svishchev, President of the Russian Curling Federation, for his remarkable leadership and contribution to the sport.
During the event, Dr. Rashmi Saluja also felicitated Mr. Alexey Chernyaev, Vice Minister of Sport in Samara Region, Mr. Anton Batugin, Executive Member of the Russian Curling Federation and Mr. Joe Walkley, President of the World Curling Tour, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the promotion and development of curling at the global level.
At the reception hosted by the Governor of Samara, Mr. Vyacheslav Fedorishchev, Dr. Rashmi Saluja engaged in meaningful discussions with Duma Member and Paralympic Champion Ms. Rima Akberdinovna Batalova.
At the stage of the reception hosted by the Governor of Samara, Dr. Saluja also shared with world delegates the profound Indian message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family, emphasizing India’s vision of unity, inclusivity, and global brotherhood through sports.
Dr. Rashmi Saluja also met several distinguished international sports leaders, including Ms. Julia Komleva, President of the Skating Union of Belarus; Mr. Patrik Mandzela, Honorary Consul of the Republic of the Congo; Mr. Alejandro Martín Owono Evuna Andeme, President of the National Olympic Committee of Equatorial Guinea; and Mr. Alfonso Pablo Orito Adjuti, Executive Member of the Equatorial Guinea National Olympic Committee. She had meaningful discussions with them on fostering sports diplomacy, cultural exchange, and cooperation in athletic development.
On the sidelines of the forum, Dr. Rashmi Saluja met Mr. Mankhanov Zorigto Sergeevich, President of the Russian Archery Federation, discussing prospects for sporting collaboration and exchange.
A special meeting was held on the sidelines, focusing on upcoming collaborative initiatives between India and Russia. Key discussions revolved around President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to India in December, as well as joint efforts to promote sports cooperation — particularly in the field of curling. The meeting also highlighted the ongoing engagements of the Global Trade & Technology Council (India) [GTTCI] with Russia to further strengthen bilateral collaboration across various sectors. Dr. Rashmi Saluja had discussions with Mr. Anton A. Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation; Doctor of Economics; and Professor, during which both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing India-Russia partnerships through sustained dialogue and mutual cooperation. Dr. Saluja reaffirmed India’s commitment to this partnership, expressing that the people of India extend their full cooperation to Russia and regard it as a trusted friend, reliable partner, and a nation of shared goodwill and progress.
Dr. Rashmi Saluja participated in the plenary session of the 13th International Sports Forum, “Russia: Country of Sports,” held in Samara, highlighting the role of sports as a bridge for global unity and collaboration.
At the 13th International Sports Forum “Russia: Country of Sports”, held in Samara, the keynote address was delivered by President Vladimir Putin, who emphasized the unifying power of sports and its vital role in strengthening international cooperation and youth engagement. The plenary session witnessed an impressive lineup of global sports leaders and policymakers, who shared valuable insights on promoting sports diplomacy, innovation, and inclusivity in the global arena. Distinguished speakers included Mr. Mikhail Degtyarev (Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation; President of the Russian Olympic Committee), Mr. Zoran Gajic (Minister of Sports of the Republic of Serbia), Mr. Sergei Kovalchuk (Minister of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Belarus), Mr. Erbol Myrzabosynov (Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan), Mr. Anselm Sanyatwe (Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture of the Republic of Zimbabwe), Mr. Nasser Radan Thamer Al-Muteiri (Secretary-General of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue), and Mr. Alfred Foloko (President of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Zambia).
Their discussions were insightful and forward-looking, focusing on how sport can serve as a bridge for peace, cultural understanding, and sustainable development. Each speaker brought a unique perspective from their nation’s sporting landscape, contributing to a dynamic and inspiring exchange of ideas that highlighted the growing global commitment to fostering unity and progress through sports.
At the plenary session, Dr. Saluja had insightful discussions with Mr. Ghanim Alhajeri, Undersecretary – Ministry of Sports – UAE
The Samara Sports Forum 2025 reinforced the importance of sports as a medium for diplomacy, unity, and progress — with GTTCI proudly contributing to India’s growing presence on the international sports stage.
