The programme was proposed by the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) in 2019, with the RIOU since being given the task of designing and delivering the courses which are aimed to complement preparations for upcoming TAFISA World Games.

Russia is due to host the 2024 edition in Nizhny Novgorod, with Portuguese capital Lisbon the 2021 host after this year's edition was postponed.

Initially, the courses were to be delivered at the RIOU campus in Sochi, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic they have been moved online.

The first group of 30 participants from 25 countries studied from November 23 to December 2.

At the end of the programme, all participants were taken on a virtual tour of Moscow, Sochi and Nizhny Novgorod.

"Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus pandemic we were not able to get together in Sochi and communicate with each other in the usual format," said ROC director general Vladimir Sengleev.

"But online lectures are self-sufficient in terms of quality of teaching and the amount of information provided.

"I'd like to stress that the ROC attaches great importance to the professional development of coaches and specialists working at the national sports federations."

RIOU rector Lev Belousov inaugurated the programme and expressed delight over its implementation.

"Here at RIOU you can not only study sports management but also connect with top-notch international experts and sports luminaries, and discuss with them any management related matters," Belousov said.