— Published January 6, 2025
Los Angeles 2028
Away from many major events since the invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Russia hopes to quickly return to the forefront. Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports and new president of the Russian Olympic Committee, took advantage of an interview with the Russia 24 television channel to discuss the prospect of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. “Those who qualify will definitely be supported by the Ministry of Sports and the Russian Olympic Committee, but at this stage there will not be manyhe admits. Not all international federations are open to our participation. »
The International Skating Union (ISU) recently opened the door to Russians, allowed to take part in qualifying for the Games as neutral athletes. Degtyarev hopes others will follow, especially in ice hockeya discipline in which the Russians are Olympic vice-champions among men. “I have some hopes. Our boys are playing remarkably well in the NHL. If I were the organizers of the Olympics and the International Ice Hockey Federation, I would obviously allow Russia because it would immediately increase the value of the competition. » 212 Russian athletes were present in Beijing in 2022 under the banner of their national Olympic committee. They won 32 medals, including 5 gold. They were only 15 in Paris last summerunder neutral banner. “By 2028 in Los Angeles, I am confident our team will be fully armed”warns Degtyarev.
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