How BRICS Platforms Boost Sports and Education in Russian Regions — and Who Is Benefiting Already?

November 2, 2025

Two parallel stories prompted this analysis: at "Sirius" (Sochi), 20-year-old Daniil Marinov won the all-around title at the Russian Artistic Gymnastics Championships, having previously taken gold at the BRICS Games in Kazan. Simultaneously, schoolchildren from Krasnodar returned from Kazan with medals from the BRICS International Mathematics and Creative Olympiad, where 35 teams from 13 countries, including China, Brazil, Egypt, and Kazakhstan, competed, as reported by "Championat" and "Kuban Today". This reinforces BRICS as a link between sports and education, generating noticeable regional impacts.

How Do Regions and Authorities React to Success at BRICS Platforms?

Regional authorities are publicly capitalizing on achievements. The mayor of Krasnodar, Evgeniy Naumov, met the prizewinners of the BRICS International Olympiad at the train station. The team from Gymnasium No. 92 secured bronze in the team mathematics event, while Mikhail Stasovsky and Milana Mirgorodskaya won gold and bronze in individual competitions. Egor Kukushkin took silver in "BRICS Vision," according to "Kuban Today".

Krasnodar has once again demonstrated the high level of its school preparation. You, kids, are truly incredible. Huge thanks to you, your wonderful parents, and of course, your talented teachers.

Novgorod regional authorities also emphasize individual achievements. Deputy Chairman of the Regional Government, Elena Kirillova, congratulated Maria Agafonova on her first bronze medal in the all-around at the Russian Championships, noting that finals in individual disciplines are still to come, as reported by "53news".

What Systemic Effects for Sports Infrastructure and Engagement Does This Lead To?

This leads to increased mass participation and accelerated development of sports facilities. The proportion of regularly engaged in sports in the Kostroma region reached 62.8%, exceeding the target of 61.2%. In 2024, over 24,000 people completed the Ready for Labour and Defence (GTO) standards, according to a publication by "Kostromskiye Vedomosti".

Increased investment in facilities supports this trend. Over the past decade, the region has seen significant progress, from new swimming pools and physical culture and recreation complexes to the renovation of a rowing base and the construction of an indoor equestrian arena and a 250-meter ice track. The extensive network of facilities enhances the capacity for youth sports and simplifies preparation for events at the level of BRICS Games and national championships.

Which Sports and Educational Fields Gain the Most Momentum Through BRICS Events?

Artistic gymnastics, exact sciences, and several Olympic and martial arts disciplines are most strongly impacted. In parallel, regions are noting prize-winning performances at the BRICS Games in canoe and kayak sprinting, skeet shooting, taekwondo, and combat sambo, as highlighted by "Kostromskiye Vedomosti".

  • Artistic Gymnastics (Men): Daniil Marinov (Tatarstan) — Russian champion in the all-around with 81.331 points; previously won gold at the BRICS Games in the individual all-around and on the parallel bars, as documented by "Championat".
  • Artistic Gymnastics (Women): Maria Agafonova — bronze medalist at the Russian Championships in the all-around; won gold at the BRICS Games in 2023, as recalled by "53news".
  • Education and Creativity: BRICS International Olympiad in Kazan — 35 teams from 13 countries; Krasnodar secured bronze in team mathematics, gold and bronze in individual events, and silver in "BRICS Vision," as reported by "Kuban Today".

What are the Immediately Upcoming Steps for Athletes and Regions?

The short-term horizon involves completing current competitions and preparing for the next qualification cycle.

For gymnasts, the Russian Championships continue at the Sirius federal territory (Sochi) from September 30 to October 4. Marinov has solidified his status as a two-time national champion, according to a report by "Championat". Maria Agafonova has individual discipline finals ahead, as reported by "53news".

The Kostroma Weightlifting School is targeting the upcoming "Silver Barbell" competitions in Tula as preparation for the 2026 Spartakiad of Students and the Russian Championships in Makhachkala, as featured by "Kostromskiye Vedomosti".

Conclusion: The BRICS brand is evolving into a practical tool for mobilizing talent and infrastructure—from the gymnastics podiums of Sirius to the mathematics tournaments of Kazan—with tangible regional effects on engagement, recognition, and talent development for the next cycle.