Svishchev Responds to Zagitova Scarlet Sails Grant

State Duma deputy Dmitry Svishchev weighed in on Olympic figure skating champion Alina Zagitova’s plan to stage the Scarlet Sails show, describing it as a cultural effort that could draw attention to sport and national pride. He expressed a clear, positive stance toward any initiative that helps popularize athletics, arguing that public engagement with sports matters, even when budgets are tight. He acknowledged the scrutiny over the proposed price, noting that in difficult times people naturally focus on how money is spent and where it goes. “I have a positive attitude towards any initiative. Any activity related to the popularization of sports is necessary”, Svishchev said. “Now everyone is worried about the price of 75 million rubles. Isn’t it a lot? It’s difficult for me to answer this question. The country is going through hard times and loves to count money”, he added, reflecting a broader public mood about spending on high-profile projects.