Ardashev R.G.
Irkutsk State University, Irkutsk

Korelin M.N.
East Siberian Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Irkutsk

Keywords: patriotism, sports, students, citizenship.

Introduction. Sports achievements create a special social environment in which participation in competitions, especially at the international level, becomes prestigious and socially significant [1]. Confrontation with foreign athletes enhances the sense of national pride and contributes to the strengthening of civic identity and patriotism. In addition, volunteer activities at sports events activate self-identification processes and increase the level of citizenship among both participants and spectators.
The purpose of the study is to identify the impact of sports activity and achievements on the level of patriotism among students.
Methodology and organization of research. In 2025, a survey was conducted among 600 university students in Krasnoyarsk and Irkutsk (300 boys and girls aged 18-25 years each). The respondents are divided into two groups:
those who do not exercise;
athletes with confirmed achievements (wins in international competitions, master or candidate master of sports status).
Research results and their discussion. Among student athletes, 87% consider themselves patriots, while 67% of non-athletes consider themselves patriots. Accordingly, 13% and 33%, respectively, do not consider themselves patriots.
Within the group of patriots, three levels of patriotism were identified:
Active patriotism is a deep understanding of the essence of patriotism, a willingness to act for the good of the country. Among athletes – 54%. They perceive their victories as a contribution to Russia's prestige. Among non–athletes - 15%. Their patriotism is manifested through science, creativity, and social activism. Both groups note the important role of mentors and government support programs in shaping patriotic awareness.
Moderately pronounced patriotism – pride in the country with the success of compatriots, but no personal involvement in the development of patriotism. Among athletes – 21% (consider achievements to be solely personal merit), among non-athletes – 36% (success is the result of individual efforts only, not related to the state or society). They believe that the state should provide conditions, but not demand “return” from citizens.
Low-level patriotism is a formal recognition of patriotism as a social norm without deep content. Respondents cannot explain what it means to be a patriot, except for the cliché phrase “love for one’s homeland.” They consider patriotism to be a relic of the past. Among athletes, 12% of respondents consider patriotism to be a relic of the past, while among non-athletes, 16% of respondents do so.
Conclusions. The study confirmed a direct correlation between sports activity, achievements, and the level of patriotism. Student athletes demonstrate a higher and more conscious level of patriotism. The key factors in its formation are:
– personal influence of coaches and mentors;
– government support (financial, social, and symbolic);
– the belief that sports victories contribute to national prestige.
Thus, sports are an effective social tool for developing citizenship and patriotism among students, requiring systematic support from educational and sports institutions.

Reference

1. Ardashev, R. G. (2022). Usloviya razvitiya sportivnykh dostizheniy studentov pravovykh vuzov [Conditions for the development of sports achievements of students of law schools]. Teoriya i Praktika Fizicheskoy Kultury, (8), 104.