Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin has directed the government to submit proposals for hosting the BRICS Sports Games on Russian soil in 2024, with a target decision by July 1. The official directive is published on the Kremlin website, and the execution of the plan has been entrusted to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. This move signals a coordinated effort at the highest level to advance BRICS collaboration through sport, while aligning with broader regional initiatives and international sports diplomacy.
On May 2, Oleg Matytsin, the Minister of Sport for the Russian Federation, put forward a formal proposal to stage the BRICS Games within Russia. He emphasized that the event would not only showcase athletic talent but also serve as a platform to strengthen BRICS partnerships among member nations and participants beyond the current lineup. The proposal highlights Russia as a focal point for regional sports development and as a venue capable of hosting multi-sport competitions that attract regional teams, athletes, and spectators.
Matytsin argued that the timing is particularly favorable given discussions about expanding the BRICS framework to include more countries. The suggestion rests on leveraging Russia’s sports infrastructure and organizational capabilities to deliver a high-profile event that could catalyze broader participation and engagement within the BRICS community. The goal is to create a lasting sporting legacy while fostering closer cultural and institutional ties among the BRICS members and invited partners.
Historically, the International Olympic Committee has guided international federations regarding the status of athletes from Russia and Belarus. In late February 2022, the IOC advised that athletes from these nations be excluded from competitive events. As a result, many major international competitions scheduled in Russia were canceled or postponed, with several governing bodies following the IOC’s guidance toward expulsion or suspension of athletes from those countries, while a limited number allowed neutral participation under strict conditions.
During a meeting of the IOC executive committee on March 28, the body recommended courtesy neutral statuses for Russian competitors, provided they did not actively take part in hostilities. It was clarified that athletes affiliated with law enforcement and armed forces would be barred from competing under neutral status. This nuanced approach reflected the IOC’s concern for political contexts while preserving opportunities for athletes who meet neutral criteria.
In the wake of these developments, the Ukrainian figure skating community has voiced concerns regarding eligibility and participation in international events. Anna Khnychenkova, who previously led the Athletes Commission of the Ukrainian Figure Skating Federation, reportedly wrote to Eric Radford, the chair of the International Skating Union Athletes Commission, requesting that Russians be barred from international competition until the end of the ongoing security operations. The exchange underscores ongoing tensions in the sports arena arising from geopolitical conflict and the ongoing debate over eligibility, neutrality, and the role of sport in international diplomacy.