Sports as a Socio-Political State Institution

This study is devoted to the consideration of sport as a social and political institution of domestic and foreign policy of the state. The article examines aspects of the conditions for the formation of competitive athletes, their importance for society, as well as their role in the domestic and foreign policy of the state. The cult of heroism and the “champion — hero” link are described, which helps to identify the people and the state with such a hero. The interactions of internal and external political goals are shown, and what role in this system play champion athletes as leaders of public opinion. Examples of research and facts of the use of sport as an instrument of political pressure and diplomacy in world history are given. Assumptions are made about the further development of the system of international sports competitions, and conclusions are made about the importance of sport as a socio-political institution.