OSCE-supported futsal tournament in Osh gathers teams of State Border Services of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia to strengthen regional border co-operation

The second futsal tournament "Border Co-operation through Unity in Sports" took place on 27 November 2019 in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. Teams from the State Border Service of Kyrgyzstan, border servicemen of the State Committee for National Security of Tajikistan, the Operative Border Service Unit of the Russian Federation based in Osh and a team from the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek participated in the event. The tournament aimed at strengthening regional border co-operation.

“Sport has always been not only a means of strengthening the physical and mental health of a person, but also a force that unites people. I am sure that the motto of this tournament will appeal to all of us to strengthen co-operation and improve the protection of joint borders,” stated Nurlan Tynaliev, Head of the Combat Training Department of the State Border Service of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, Pierre von Arx, in turn, noted that: “This traditional sports festival, from year to year, unites strong-spirited and courageous border guards and residents of border regions. The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek will continue to support the efforts of participating States and Partners for Co-operation aimed at building the capacity of border agencies and promoting co-operation, harmonizing border policies and practices in line with the OSCE Concept on Border Management and Security.”The tournament concluded with prizes awarded to the participants and individual medals were given to the best players. Participants, representatives of local authorities and law enforcement agencies noted the high level of the organization of the tournament and stressed the necessity to hold similar activities in the future.