MOSCOW, June 5, Oleg Bogatov. Removal of Russian figure skaters from international tournaments are of a political nature and will affect the development of the sport in the world, domestic athletes will return to competition as leaders, said former Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov.
On Monday, a source reported that the International Skating Union (ISU) does not plan to allow Russian and Belarusian figure skaters to compete under its auspices in the 2024/25 season.
“”The removal of the Russians will hit the development of figure skating in the world. We see how tournaments are held, including the World Championships, how much the level has dropped there. In figure skating, everyone is interested in the strongest participating in competitions. And we are unconditionally world class leaders. I especially feel sorry for the young athletes who are just starting their journey. The decision to exclude our skaters is political. I have always believed that sport should be outside of any politics. Our world is very narrow, everyone knows each other: both coaches and athletes. must defend and defend the autonomy of sports. But lately we have seen that this is not happening,” Kolobkov said.
“Sport turned out to be completely different, and athletes, in fact, become tools in a big political game. Of course, all kinds of tournaments will be organized for our skaters. I hope that Russian and world sports will survive this difficult stage. Our athletes need to have courage , patience and strength. Don’t give up, train and prove everything with your skills. The stronger our skaters are, the faster we will return to the world stage and return, as usual, as leaders,” the agency’s interlocutor emphasized.
Russian figure skaters have not competed at international competitions since March 2022, when the ISU council, against the backdrop of events in Ukraine, suspended them from participation in international tournaments.
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