Inter Football Cup: Sport, Friendship, HSE!
On May 18, 2025, HSE University hosted the Inter Football Cup. For the third year in a row HSE students and staff from different countries took part in the event. This tournament has become a real celebration not only for football fans, but also for anyone looking to meet new people and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of friendship and unity.
The football cup is organised with the support of the Department of Internationalisation and the HSE Department of Physical Training. In his opening speech, Artem Emelyanov, lecturer at the department, congratulated everyone on the sports day and encouraged them to showcase their sports skills, teamwork and spirit. Zhanna Sorokina, Director of the Support and Career Centre for International Students and Alumni, noted that for the first time, not only student teams, but also a team of international specialists—HSE teachers and researchers—participated in the event.
This time, twelve teams met on the field, bringing together representatives from more than 50 countries—from Australia to Ethiopia, from Italy to India. Each match was a true battle, full of emotions and dynamics. The participants not only demonstrated their football skills, but also shared the cultural traditions of their countries, which enriched the tournament. ‘It's not just football, it's a great chance to take a break from studying, stretch and relax, and also see our friends and students from other faculties,’ said Ikenna Mbata (Nigeria) from HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge. His team, despite losing in the semifinals, had an unforgettable experience and made many new acquaintances.
‘This isn’t the first time I’ve participated in the tournament, and it’s one of the best events that the university organises for international students,’ says Bernard Baako (Ghana) from the Faculty of Economic Sciences. ‘The drive and emotions are an amazing way to relax!’
According to the organisers, every year the number of participants is growing, which indicates an increasing interest in the sports event. ‘We are glad to see how students from different countries unite through sports. This is important not only for their socialisation, but also for creating a friendly atmosphere at the university,’ said Zhanna Sorokina.
Marco Mellina (Italy), Research Fellow at the School of History, said that he was a big football fan. As soon as he learned about the tournament, he talked his colleagues into participating. The international team was extremely happy to spend the day at the stadium and play against challenging opponents. Even the burst of rain that fell during the final game could not spoil the mood of the audience. The excitement of the players in the battle for prizes was incredible, once again confirming the classic formula of big-time sports: ‘No matter the weather, the match will go on.’
The tournament ended with a dynamic finale, in which the team of the Faculty of Social Sciences defeated the team of the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, a newcomer to the tournament. However, as many participants noted, it’s not about winning, but about participation and the opportunity to meet new people.
Benjamin Sarpong (Ghana), the captain of the winning team, boasted that he had won the cup for the second time in a row. Last year, at the Inter Football Cup 2024, he won the prize as a member of the Prep Year team for international students. ‘Personally, I scored two goals today, and they helped my team secure victory! I'm absolutely thrilled!’ he said happily.
The HSE Inter Football Cup once again proved its value as a platform for cultural exchange and friendship. The participants are looking forward to the next tournament with enthusiasm.