State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova believes that foreign athletes are forced to speak and write in their social networks in opposition to competition with the Russians due to political pressure. At the same time, the politician is sure that it will not be possible to ensure the destruction of Russia as a country in sports.
“Everyone is being manipulated. Foreigners, I’m sure, they write on orders. They are also hostages – do not compete with the Russians. Ukrainian athletes banned from performing, only punished. This is politics. They just want us not to exist as a country, and they are trying to ensure that at all costs. But it’s not going to work like that,” Zhurova told socialbites.ca.
Due to the Special Military Operations in Ukraine, Russian athletes were banned from participating in international competitions in most sports. Where they are still allowed to perform, they compete in neutral status and accompanied by a national anthem.
Previously recognizedCoaches Maria Burova and Alexander Nizelik, who left Zenit, will continue their careers.