The national spring holiday Nowruz, which was attended by students of the Institute of International Cooperation from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan, was traditionally held at Penza State University on March 21. Among the guests of honor were: Gleb Sintsov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of PSU; Sergey Ivanchin, Head of the International Education Office, Institute of International Cooperation; Zhigansha Tuktarov, Chairman of the Tatar National Cultural Autonomy of the Penza Region; Olimjon Shcherov, Chairman of the regional public organization "Tajik National Cultural Center of the Penza Region"; Adel Maqbol, Chairman of the International Students Association of the Penza region.

“Today we are celebrating the spring holiday Nowruz, which is translated as “a new day”. I wish that this new day begins for everyone with peace, kindness, happiness and good luck. PSU is a territory of friendship, mutual understanding and love. 47 countries, 2500 students will not let us lie that we always set ourselves goals that we try to achieve. The fact that you are here from different parts of the world says only one thing - we have achieved success,” Gleb Sintsov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of PSU, addressed the audience.

The guests of honor, employees and students of the university were introduced to the national cuisine of the countries, they were shown souvenirs and traditional clothes of the peoples of Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. PSU international students prepared a concert programme. Also, representatives of the Tatar national cultural autonomy of the Penza region became active participants in the holiday.

According to the results of the festival, the best in four nominations were determined: “The most colorful national venue”, “The best presentation of national cuisine”, “The most varied menu” and “The best dish of national cuisine”.

Every year, within the framework of the festival, the winners of the belt wrestling tournament "Kuresh" are awarded. The Kuresh tournament took place at the university the day before, on March 20. Aleksandr Sobolev, chief referee of the competition, coach, senior lecturer of the Department of Sport and Physical Training, congratulated the students: “The tournament has taken place, all the participants are great! Keep doing sports, develop and achieve all your goals!”.

The winners were determined in four weight categories.

Category up to 60 kg
3rd place – Talantbek Uulu Emilbek (Kyrgyzstan)
2nd place - Fattoev Shahzod (Tajikistan)
1st place - Ybykeev Atabek (Kyrgyzstan)

Category up to 70 kg
3rd place - Zhamshitbek Uulu Zhakypbek (Kyrgyzstan)
2nd place - Davlatov Khusravjon (Tajikistan)
1st place - Kanybek Uulu Iskhak (Kyrgyzstan)

Category up to 80 kg
3rd place - Anvarov Khasan (Tajikistan)
2nd place - Nurlanov Namys (Kyrgyzstan)
1st place – Temirov Erbolot (Kyrgyzstan)

Category up to 90 kg
3rd place - Sharipov Oybek (Tajikistan)
2nd place - Akmatov Ilyaz (Kyrgyzstan)
1st place - Ismonov Mehroj (Tajikistan)

Photo report from the belt wrestling tournament Kuresh
Photo report from the spring holiday Nowruz