Deputy President of the Russian Figure Skating Federation (FFKKR) Anton Sikharulidze spoke about the dialogue with the International Skating Union (ISU) on the admission of Russian athletes to international competitions. His words were reported by socialbites.ca correspondent.
“It makes sense to put this question to ISU. We are open and ready to participate in all kinds of tournaments of all ages. We are in contact with ISU. Recently we discussed world figure skating with Alexander Ilyich (Kogan) for about 30 minutes.
We see that figure skating is not so attractive without the Russians. Both the International Skating Union and foreign coaches are talking about this. There is no color left, it is gone. This leads to a number of problems regarding financing, sponsors and development. This categorically reduces, if not kills, interest in figure skating.
We are ready for dialogue to find solutions to the problems. It is a matter of curiosity when they will wake up. But gradually they begin to mumble something in their sleep. I hope we will soon start enjoying world figure skating.
But we cannot say that we are having trouble without international starts. We find ourselves in the current conditions, we are trying to create conditions for their level to rise. Children are not deprived of competitions, sponsors, or talking to them; I don’t see any sadness, melancholy or sadness in them,” said Sikharulidze.
The Russian Figure Skating Championships will take place from 20 to 24 December at the Traktor Ice Arena in Chelyabinsk.
At the end of February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) appealed to international sports federations, recommending that Russian and Belarusian athletes not be allowed to participate in any competitions.
On March 1, 2022, the International Skating Union suspended figure skaters from Russia and Belarus from competitions. In June 2023, the ISU extended the suspension.
Previously recognized Prize money at the Russian Championship.