Senior coach of the Russian national team Arsene Galstian told that he would not understand the judoka who would accept an individual invitation and go to the Paris Olympic Games.
In July, the IOC press service reported that 24-year-old Russian Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov, after the unanimous decision of the Russian Judo Federation (RJF) to refuse to participate in the Olympics, had accepted an offer to travel to Paris. However, later, the FDR informed that Makhmadbekov had refused to participate in the Games.
— After June 28, the IOC started sending out personal invitations, right?
— Yes, and for those who did not qualify for the Olympics as a first team. For example, Makhmadbek Makhmadbekov, who in his weight category lost his license to Danil Lavrentiev, and Valery Endovitsky, who fought in weight with Inal Tasoev. These guys, of course, also deserved to be at the Olympics, but we already had a team formed. But thanks to the guys for approaching this situation adequately, remaining in solidarity with the team and friends, and therefore also refusing the trip.
– But Makhmadbek first accepted the invitation, then he was forced to refuse, wasn’t he?
— I also saw similar information on the Internet, but I clarified: this did not happen! Makhmadbek is not going to Paris. Like other athletes, he proved that conscience is more valuable.
— Let’s imagine theoretically: what would happen to an athlete if he went to Paris against the general position?
“I haven’t even thought about it and I don’t want to think about it.” Personally, I wouldn’t understand a person who, after such a long journey together, would accept an individual invitation.
— Surely the road to the national team would be closed?
– It’s hard to say. I hope that no one will go down this path and that the national team will remain in the composition in which it is now, “Galstyan told .
The Paris Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11.
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I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
