In a recent interview conducted by a Canada and United States audience with a correspondent for socialbites.ca, Elizaveta Koloskova, the captain of the Senator sports club and a prominent figure among Russian cheerleaders, addressed the likely timeline for a disqualification of the national team from the International Cheerleading League (ICU).
She indicated that the suspension affecting the Russian squad could extend through 2028, outlining a period where top international appearances are put on hold. The implications are far-reaching for athletes who train to compete at the highest levels and for the national program that depends on participation to maintain visibility on the world stage.
According to Koloskova, it seems unlikely that the team will be able to travel to the World Championships or the European Championships for the next several years. The barrier to entering these global and continental events is linked to the broader governance and sanctioning structures that currently govern eligibility and participation for teams under suspension. Nevertheless, there could be options to compete in regional or alternative circuits, although such opportunities would not carry the same standing as the official World Cup events or the path to Olympic qualification.
She noted that participation in Asia might still be considered, but only as part of activities not aligned with the official Asian federation. The rules involved in these alternative settings emphasize showmanship rather than the same formal criteria used for world-level competitions. This distinction raises questions about safety standards, athlete protection, and the integrity of competition that are often debated in international sport governance.
While this is her personal assessment, Koloskova stressed that the team would pursue any feasible route to maintain competitive readiness and to present strong performances whenever possible. The squad would explore all legitimate avenues for participation, balancing ambitions with the requirements set by international bodies and the broader sports community.
Details of the interview shed light on the team’s motivation and the enduring drive that keeps athletes focused even in the face of exclusion from the sport’s most prestigious stages. The discussion touched on the psychological and professional impacts of a prolonged ban and how athletes redirect their energy toward training, development, and coaching that can sustain growth within the sport at different levels.
The conversation also explored what comes next for Koloskova personally as a leader and mentor. Her viewpoint reflects resilience and a commitment to finding constructive pathways for the team to stay active, improve, and prepare for renewed opportunities should circumstances shift in the future. The broader message emphasizes perseverance, adaptability, and a focus on long-term goals beyond immediate international competition.
Although the national team’s unavailability on the international scene remains a reality for now, supporters and analysts are watching closely to see how the program reorganizes, retools, and perhaps redefines its strategy for participation in upcoming seasons. The evolving situation underscores the delicate balance between regulatory compliance, athlete welfare, and the enduring desire to compete at the highest levels of cheerleading on the global map.