In a candid interview with Sports Express, the renowned figure skating coach from the Soviet era, Tatyana Tarasova, asserted that Russia would stage the World Friendship Games in 2024, even in the face of a ban imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Tarasova emphasized a belief in national initiative over external recognition. She suggested that when Russia sets its mind to a project, it pursues it with determination, independent of international validation. Her words reflected a broader sentiment echoed by some Russian sports officials who view sanctions as impediments rather than insurmountable barriers. The coach underscored that sanctions exist, yet they would not deter the country from pursuing planned competitions. (Source: Sports Express interview with Tarasova)
The World Friendship Games are scheduled to take place in Moscow and Yekaterinburg from 15 to 29 September 2024. This event represents the first multi-sport competition designed to feature performances across all 25 Summer Olympic and non-Olympic sports, offering athletes a platform to compete in a wide array of disciplines. Organizers describe it as a comprehensive gathering intended to showcase broad sporting talent and to serve as an alternative arena for athletes affiliated with the participating nations. (Source: event organizers and official statements)
On February 28, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued a directive urging international sport federations to assess eligibility and, in many cases, to restrict participation by domestic competitors and Belarusian athletes. The decision prompted the relocation or cancellation of several events that would have drawn foreign competitors to Russia, as organizers adjusted to the new restrictions placed by the IOC and allied bodies. The broad aim described by IOC representatives was to ensure a level playing field and to uphold the integrity of competitions amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. (Source: IOC announcement and subsequent federations’ responses)
Among other developments in the world of sport during this period, reports emerged about football clubs and national teams amid the broader sporting landscape. An incident involving a goal scored by Spartak defender Srdjan Babic was noted in coverage of Serbia’s Euro 2024 campaign, illustrating how individual players and teams continue to compete on the European stage despite surrounding political and organizational complexities. The broader context highlights how national teams navigate qualification paths, international schedules, and the pressures of governing bodies while pursuing competitive success on the field. (Source: match reports and federation releases)