Batu Khasikov, a leading figure in Russian sport governance and the president of the Republic of Kalmykia, as well as the Chairman of the Supreme Supervisory Council of the Russian Kickboxing Federation, argues that the international ban on Russian sport carries both drawbacks and potential upside. In a detailed interview with socialbites.ca, he outlined how Russia might channel resources toward domestic sports development and stressed the importance of broadcasting a wide range of competitions across multiple television channels.
He notes that the clearest upside is that financial resources can be redirected inward. When Russia faced broad international sanctions and a compressed global calendar, he explains, the country could reallocate funds that would have otherwise circulated abroad to strengthen sports infrastructure, training programs, and coaching excellence at home. He emphasizes that every sport, regardless of its current popularity, requires sustained investment to modernize facilities, upgrade equipment, and expand the pool of qualified staff. The overarching message is that strategic domestic investment can create a solid foundation for long-term athletic growth across disciplines.
The official stresses that media coverage should be a shared obligation among television channels, with broadcasts designed to nurture interest in a wide spectrum of sports, including kickboxing. He argues that a sport’s current ratings should not determine future broadcast opportunities. Instead, regular exposure through television helps build a broader fan base, attract new sponsors, and stimulate grassroots participation. He points to the United States as an example where a diverse array of sports channels contributes to a vibrant sports culture, suggesting that a similar approach could bolster Russia’s sporting landscape over time.
Regarding the media ecosystem, Khasikov contends that the abundance of channels dedicated to sports creates room for growth, even if individual sports appear to struggle with audience numbers. He cautions against conflating popularity with value, noting that consistent broadcast support can uplift a sport’s profile and encourage investment in talent development, youth programs, and event organization. He acknowledges that creating standalone sports networks may be financially demanding, but highlights the potential of federal channels to air competitions regardless of a sport’s current popularity, providing a dependable platform for nationwide exposure and development.
In the broader geopolitical context, the narrative around Russia’s participation in international competitions has evolved. In 2022, amid Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, the president of the International Olympic Committee suggested that international federations should consider excluding Russian athletes from certain events. By January 25, 2023, the IOC signaled openness to the possibility of allowing Russian athletes who oppose active SBO participation to compete under a neutral status. The situation further evolved on October 12, 2023, when the IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee pending further review, following the integration of certain regional Olympic councils into the Russian federation. The IOC reserved the right to decide, at an appropriate time, whether Russian athletes would be admitted to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. These developments underscore the ongoing tension between national governance, international sport, and the evolving rules of engagement for athletes under sanctions.
Historically, Khasikov has elaborated on why pivotal figures such as Bach have altered their stances toward Russia, suggesting that shifts in policy and rhetoric reflect broader geopolitical and sporting realities. The dialogue around Russia’s role in international sport remains fluid, with continued debates about neutrality, eligibility, and the pathways for athletes to compete on the world stage while national and organizational perspectives continue to evolve. The overall takeaway is that strategic domestic investment and thoughtful broadcast strategies may help Russia sustain athletic development even amid international restrictions, while the dialogue around compliance and participation remains active and unsettled.