In the context of the Russian Biathlon Union’s presidential process, a notable reporting and election conference is scheduled to take place in Moscow on October 14. This event is described as a key moment for organizational transparency and future leadership direction within the federation.
The decision to convene the conference was made by the RBU Executive Committee during its meeting on September 7. Alongside governance deliberations, the committee also reviewed and approved the federation’s budget for the 2022/23 season, outlining financial priorities and allocations that will shape the sport’s development and participation in major competitions.
Historically, the most recent reporting and election conference occurred on June 23. At that time, the federation saw Viktor Maigurov and Alexei Nuzhdov assume leadership roles as president and vice-president respectively. The election results, however, determined that Maigurov did not secure the two-thirds majority required by the federation’s electoral rules, with 35 delegates voting in favor of Maigurov and 18 voting for Nuzhdov. This outcome highlighted the need for broader consensus among delegates and signaled potential adjustments in the electoral process.
Consequently, it was resolved that a second round of voting would be scheduled at a later date, following amendments to the federation’s by-laws. The aim of these changes is to ensure that future leadership selections can proceed with a simpler majority threshold while maintaining rigorous governance standards and stakeholder confidence.
Viktor Maigurov, who previously led the Russian Biathlon Union, issued remarks noting that, despite hopes for swift progress, he does not anticipate miracles from the International Biathlon Union regarding the admission of Russian athletes to international events. The statement reflects a cautious outlook that prioritizes sustainable, rule-based engagement with international bodies and a focus on domestic preparations and strengthening athletic programs while the broader eligibility discussions unfold. [Source: RBU official communications]