In a significant stride towards advancing sports diplomacy between India and Russia, the Curling Federation of India (CFI) and the Russian Curling Federation (RCF) officially signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on 10th November 2025 in Moscow, Russia.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Rashmi Saluja, President of the Curling Federation of India, and Mr. Dmitry Svishchev, President of the Russian Curling Federation. The landmark signing aims to foster bilateral collaboration in curling, wheelchair curling, and floor curling, building a structured pathway for athlete exchanges, technical expertise, and inclusive sports development.
The signing of this MoU was a key outcome of the International Sports Forum held in Samara under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin. During the Forum, he addressed the plenary session attended by distinguished ministers, ambassadors and senior officials from over 58 countries worldwide. At the same time, the Memorandum of Understanding between the CFI and the Russian Curling Federation in Moscow further showcased the commitment of both nations to sports diplomacy—creating pathways for joint training, exchange programs and collaborative events that strengthen Indo-Russian ties beyond traditional sectors.
The MoU lays out a comprehensive framework that includes joint training camps, coaching certification programs, infrastructure development, youth promotion, and cultural exchange initiatives. A key highlight of the cooperation is the proposed establishment of an Indo-Russian Curling Academy in India, which will serve as a premier hub for ice and floor curling training across Asia.
Both federations have also agreed to launch the India–Russia Curling Friendship Cup, an annual tournament featuring multiple categories including wheelchair and floor curling. Additionally, a dedicated corpus fund will be established to support prize incentives, athlete grants, and the long-term sustainability of curling leagues and championships.
On the occasion, Dr. Saluja emphasized that this collaboration not only promotes athletic excellence but also deepens India–Russia people-to-people ties through sports diplomacy. The initiative is further expected to boost grassroots participation and inclusivity by introducing wheelchair and floor curling in Indian schools and communities.
This cooperation comes at a pivotal time, ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s forthcoming visit to India, symbolizing the growing momentum in Indo-Russian relations that now extend beyond trade and energy into the dynamic realm of sports and culture.
