Team Spirit Beyond the Classroom: ISSEK Students at the HSE Inter Football Cup 2026
On May 17, students of the Master’s Programme “Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy” at ISSEK HSE University took part in the HSE Inter Football Cup 2026, joining teams from different faculties and campuses for one of the university’s most international and energetic sporting events.
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For the ISSEK team, the tournament was more than a football competition. It became an opportunity to reconnect outside the classroom, strengthen friendships, and celebrate the multicultural spirit of the university community.
The team was led by Elyas Mohammad Karimi from Afghanistan, who captained the squad during the tournament. Having previously played football for more than ten years in Afghanistan, the event marked a meaningful return to the sport after a long break.
Playing football again reminded me of my past experiences, my passion for the game, and the happiness that football has always brought into my life
Throughout the tournament, the ISSEK team demonstrated strong teamwork and determination, winning their group matches with excellent results and eventually securing the bronze medal after a tense penalty shootout.
Students highlighted that the tournament came at a particularly important moment, as many classmates had spent recent months focused on writing their master’s theses and had fewer opportunities to meet in person.
Mbata Ikenna Chibueze from Nigeria described the event as a valuable moment of reunion for the Programme’s international cohort.
The emotions of reuniting were genuine and palpable. One could not help but appreciate the talents and football skills of students beyond just academic writing and research
The tournament also reflected the international atmosphere of HSE University. This year’s edition included teams from different faculties and campuses, including participants from HSE Saint Petersburg.
For many students, one of the most memorable aspects of the day was the atmosphere surrounding the matches: music, celebration, and interaction among students from different countries and academic backgrounds.
Beyond the results on the field, participants emphasized the importance of sport in building community and friendship within the university.
“This tournament was not only about football or winning a trophy,” Elyas noted. “It was about reconnecting with a passion that has been part of my life for many years and sharing unforgettable moments with teammates and friends at HSE.”
The students later visited the Programme office to bring the trophy and presented to Lidia Gribanova, Manager of the Master’s Programme, who congratulated the team on their achievement.
It was wonderful to see our current students representing ISSEK not only academically, but also through teamwork, friendship, and university life beyond the classroom. We are very proud of the fact that they got a trophy the third year in a row
The students also expressed gratitude to HSE University for creating opportunities that bring together international students through activities beyond academics.
