Russian sports before the wave of ‘change of nationality’ athletes due to the ban

According to RT, Russian athletes in many sports have been banned from competing after sports federations followed the advice of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) not to invite them until further notice. new newspaper. That has caused debate in Russia about the possibility of leaving the National stars want to dodge the ban by naturalizing in another country.

Many Russian athletes are nervous when their country’s sports are banned from international tournaments AFP

Athletes like former heavyweight boxing champion world Nikolai Valuev – now a member of the Russian State Duma – thinks the move would be a “betrayal” for Russia. However, in another development, former Olympic champion in ice dance Tatiana Navka said that stars should not be judged if they decide to change their nationality.

Comments on the heroes of Russia from Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics honored at a special Kremlin ceremony on April 26, Matytsin said the matter was not cause for concern. “We are not concerned about Russian athletes changing their nationality,” the Russian sports minister said.

The head of Russian sports also said that it is too early to speculate on whether Russian athletes will be forced to miss the Summer Olympics in Paris (France) in 2024. The official emphasized: “I do not see a reason yet. There is no reason to discuss the lack of opportunities for Russian athletes to compete in Paris. All decisions made by international federations, as a rule, they are made until the end of the year, so I hope that this will not create problems. We are ready for any situation.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) in a meeting with the country’s winter sports stars RT

Russian stars had a meeting in the Kremlin on April 26 with President Vladimir Putin, including a figure skater. art Alexandra Trusova and Kamila Valieva, as well as famous cross-country skier Veronika Stepanova, who helped Russia win gold in the 4×5 km relay at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Russian Paralympic athletes were also welcome at the Kremlin reception. They were banned from the Beijing 2022 Paralympics ahead of the event’s opening because of the military campaign in Ukraine, but have since competed in a specially arranged alternative at the Khanty-Mansiysk sports resort in Siberia.