More than 500 guests from all over Russia attended the University Sport Stars Gala, which also acknowledged the National Sports Federations as well as state, public and commercial organisations that made a great contribution to the development and popularisation of university sport in 2019.

Igor Levitin, aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, opened the event.

He read out a message of greeting from Putin.

The guests were also welcomed by International University Sports Federation President Oleg Matytsin, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Sport Igor Sidorkevich, Russian Olympic Committee President Stanislav Pozdnyakov and RSSU President Sergey Seyranov.

"I would like to recognise all those who work in the field of university sport," Seyranov said to the gathering. 

"Your contribution to the development of physical culture and sport, to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among young people is invaluable. 

"You give students the opportunity to develop their abilities in different sports. 

"I also want to thank the athletes for their efforts and determination, for their high results and achievements."

The Gala proceeded with an awarding ceremony to honour athletes for outstanding achievements in international student competitions this year, including the Winter Universiade in Russian city Krasnoyarsk, as well as the Summer Universiade in Naples in Italy.

The ceremony also featured the awarding of the Winter Universiade 2019 Organising Committee for winning the "Project of the Year" nomination, and also the handover of the flag from Krasnoyarsk to another Russian city Yekaterinburg, which is due to host the 2023 Summer Universiade.

Krasnoyarsk 2019 director general Maxim Urazov handed over the flag to Alexander Chernov, director general of the Yekaterinburg 2023 Directorate.

Urazov expressed his confidence that Yekaterinburg 2023 will be delivered at the same "high level" as Krasnoyarsk 2019.

"The Games in Krasnoyarsk set a record for the number of participating countries: athletes from 58 countries came to Siberia to compete for medals in 11 sports," he said.

"During the competitions, several sports records were set. 

"Our work was highly recognised by representatives of the International University Sports Federation, participants and spectators. 

"I am sure that the Summer Universiade in Yekaterinburg will become an equally bright page in our history of university sport."

The Gala culminated in the presentation of awards to the winners in the following categories: "Education and Sport", "For the Development and Popularisation of University Sport", "All-Russian Projects" and "RSSU Partner".