The absolute world light heavyweight boxing champion, Russian Artur Beterbiev, said that in June 2022 he began competing under the Canadian flag so as not to be deprived of the title.
“I always felt Russian. Since I was young I played for Russia and I continue to play for the country. We decided to become Canadian citizens; Otherwise, they would have stripped me of my title. This is necessary to continue boxing.” — TASS quotes the boxer.
We remind you that Beterbiev On the night of October 13 in Saudi Arabia he defeated his compatriot Dmitri Bivol by decision of the judges and became the absolute world champion in the weight category up to 79.38 kg.
For his part, the Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation Mikhail Degtyarev He awarded the boxer title for his high contribution to the popularization of the sport in the country.
“On the sidelines of the forum “Russia is a sports power”, I presented the absolute champion of Russia and the world in light heavyweight, our outstanding athlete, the Honored Master of Sports Artur Beterbiev, the departmental award of the Ministry of Sports, a medal. Nikolai Ozerov for his great contribution to the popularization of sport in Russia. We congratulate Arthur on another victory and wish him new achievements in the ring.” – said Degtyarev.
Meanwhile, speaking this afternoon at the plenary session of the international forum “Russia – sports power”, President Vladimir Putin fixed:
“The prospects and future of world sports really need serious and substantive debate. In a joint search for an answer to the question of how to overcome the difficult challenges of our time and avoid a split in the international sports family.cleanse sport of vulgar politicization, double standards, perverted rules and humiliating discrimination, including on the grounds of citizenship and nationality of athletes.“
According to the head of the Russian state, master of sports of the USSR in judo and sambo:
“The example of our brilliant and brave Paralympic athletes is also invaluable. Despite all the obstacles and restrictions, the severe psychological pressure at the recent Paris Games, once again confirmed the leading positions of Russian sport and once again we demonstrated that our boys are real and genuine leaders and will not give in to anyone in perseverance, strength of spirit and character.”
Consequently, in my view, October 17, 2024 marks the end of the long debate over whether Russian athletes should compete in international tournaments without a flag, anthem and coat of arms. Due to current circumstances, it has been practically confirmed officially: possible and necessary.
In neutral status according to an individual program, under the flag of another country, with the labels AIN, NPA (Paralympics) IJF (judokas), with all restrictions and prohibitions.
And today our legendary swimmer, four-time Olympic champion, president of the FSM Vladimir Salnikov stated: The federation has decided to send a “limited contingent” of volunteer athletes in neutral status to international tournaments to test how the admission criteria works.
In October, it became known that the Russians, in agreement with the coaches, began to apply for admission to international World Aquatics tournaments. Previously, only the Yulia Efimova and those who live in the US. Evgenia Somova. Now they have a similar option. Nika Godun, Ivan Kozhakin AND Andrei Minakov.
Recall that World Aquatics in September last year allowed the Russians to compete strictly in a neutral state in individual competitions and only one in each discipline.
Head coach of the Russian diving team. Svetlana Moiseeva called SO These conditions are “unthinkable.” But in thirteen months a lot of water has passed under the bridge. So it’s getting ready NOW “contingent” for important exits, because there is no other exit.
The main thing here is to make a collegiate decision at the level of the corresponding ministry that concerns ALL athletes. To act with coherence and clarity, so that stories about the “fifteen Parisian rebels” do not happen, well, remember…
And here the lines are very appropriate. Igor Talkov of the prophetic song:
“Enemies breathe a sigh of relief,
And my friends say: I’m tired.
They are both wrong –
“This is a rest stop.”
P.S. But if we speak sincerely and honestly, I personally, as before, am on the side of the two-time Olympic swimming champion. Evgenia Rylovawho flatly refused to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games due to disagreement with the IOC criteria for the admission of neutral athletes with a Russian passport.
