Svetlana Zhurova, the Olympic speed skating champion and a deputy in the State Duma, shared thoughts about Kazan potentially earning the right to host the European Championship in 2028. She spoke about the evolving landscape of European sport and how strategic positioning, long-standing relationships, and a track record of hosting major events could influence decisions at the continental level. The broader takeaway is that Kazan remains a credible candidate in discussions about future European championships, with stakeholders noting the city’s infrastructure, sporting culture, and organizational experience as part of the equation. This perspective aligns with ongoing assessments by national sports leaders who see opportunities aligned with regional development in Russian sports, while observers stress that such bids require sustained collaboration across federations and governments for success (Source: national sports federation communications).
Vladimir Salnikov, the president of the All-Russian Swimming Federation, emphasized that behind-the-scenes dialogue between Russian sports bodies and international federations continues despite external pressures. He pointed out that there are no random contacts among leaders in the sports world; many presidents have built friendships during their studies and participate in each other’s milestones, including anniversaries. This human level of connection, Salnikov argued, remains a steady thread even when public channels of communication are strained. He suggested that these personal and professional ties create a familiarity with the history of events and a sense of mutual respect, which can influence decisions when genuine opportunities to host global championships arise. He also noted that the World Aquatics Championships have precedent in Russia, and if a real opportunity appears, Russia could be considered again for such a major event (Source: federation leaders and interviews).
In 2024, plans for the European Aquatics Championship were centered on Kazan, but the event was postponed to Belgrade, Serbia, in response to the evolving situation in Ukraine. The shift illustrated how geopolitical context can impact the scheduling of large-scale international competitions, even when cities have prepared venues, support systems, and local sponsorships in place. Organizers and national federations have continued to monitor developments, maintaining readiness to mobilize resources and coordinate with international bodies should circumstances change. The postponement underscored the delicate balance between sport as a unifying force and the broader political realities that shape global sporting calendars (Source: European Aquatics Federation announcements).
There is also a public stance from Irina Rodnina, a notable figure in Russian sport, who expressed opposition to broadcasting the 2024 Olympic Games within Russia. Rodnina’s position reflects a broader conversation about media access, national audiences, and the ways in which Olympic coverage is framed for viewers at home. Her viewpoint adds another layer to the discussion of how international events are consumed domestically and how athletes and organizers weigh the implications of broadcasting choices in times of geopolitical sensitivity. The dialogue around broadcast rights continues to evolve as broadcasters and policymakers weigh audience reach against political considerations (Source: public statements and media coverage).