The solemn meeting of the SSU football team players who became the WIUC two-time winners took place on November 16 at the Saratov railway station. Many people gathered there to congratulate the champions: the team fans, the Minister of Youth Policy and Sports of Saratov Region Alexander Abrosimov, SSU Rector Aleksei Chumachenko, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Organisational Work Anton Golovchenko, Director of the Institute for Sports and Physical Training Nailya Brilyonok, and Director of the Sports Club Vladimir Gordeyev.
The rector of Saratov University was the first to address the athletes. ‘On the eve of the competition, you and I promised each other that we would do everything to overcome the obstacles caused by the pandemic and get to the game. And so it happened. You did not only keep your word but also exceed all our expectations, not giving your opponents even a chance to snatch the victory. Today, due to the limitations associated with the epidemiological situation, not so many people are greeting you, but you should know that not only our entire university but the whole country is proud of your achievements,’ Aleksei Chumachenko stressed.
The athletes were also congratulated by the Minister of Youth Policy and Sports of Saratov Region Alexander Abrosimov. ‘Such a high victory is not the first for you. This suggests that showing such great results you have proved from year to year that Russia is one of the strongest countries in sports. We are all very proud of you,’ he said.
The captain of the national team Alan Dryaev spoke in response on behalf of the team. He thanked the university leadership for the support provided at all stages of the tournament. ‘It is very pleasant that you were interested in us and called us after each match. Your concern was felt and reflected in our success. I would like to thank all the people who did a great job so that we were able to compete at the international championship in such a difficult time. This is a great experience for all our athletes,’ Alan commented.
The meeting ended with a media approach, during which the university rector admitted that the victory of the students did not come as a surprise to him. ‘We knew that it would be like that. A strong and experienced team went to the championship, and they have demonstrated such high results not for the first time. Our athletes literally fought for the university, feeling that they represented the whole of our country as well.’
‘Having beaten well-known football teams, the SSU students once again proved that serious systematic work is being carried out at the university, which allows athletes to compete in the international arena,’ Alexander Abrosimov summed up the conversation with reporters.
