President of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (FHR) Vladislav Tretyak told that the choice of possible rivals for the Russian team is limited, so everything must be done to participate in the Olympic tournament in the future.
Earlier, Honored Figure Skating Coach Tatyana Tarasova, as well as the President of the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation (VFCG) and the head coach of the national team Irina Viner, said that in the conditions of non- admission to the Olympic Games Games, it is necessary to organize international competitions with friendly countries.
– The Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RHF) released a statement that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) will again consider the possibility of bringing the national teams of Russia and Belarus back to international tournaments in March 2024. Y is there a chance that we will participate in the olympics in 2026?
– We hope. Hope always dies last. But there is hope that we will return to the international family and go to the Olympics. Let’s hope and prepare.
– Will Russia have to go through the Olympic qualification selection?
– No. The Belarusians need it, but the Russian team does not need it. We remain third in the international IIHF rankings.
– And who will decide on the admission of the Russian team to Milan 2026? International Olympic Committee (IOC) or IIHF?
– In fact, the decision is taken by the IOC, but in agreement with the international federation.
– Tatyana Tarasova said that if Russia is not allowed to participate in the Olympics, alternative games should be held. We are talking about the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. But is this true in hockey?
Not in hockey. Unfortunately, our choice is limited. In addition to Belarusians, there is also Kazakhstan. The rest of the teams are not so strong. We don’t have anyone to play with in the alternate tournament. It is complicated. We must do everything that depends on us so that the Olympics take place with our participation. In any case, sport is the ambassador of peace. This slogan must be written everywhere in large letters. And we need to remove politics from sport. This is the most important thing, – said Tretiak “”.
Earlier, International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) President Luc Tardif said that the issue of the participation of national teams of Russia and Belarus in international tournaments will be discussed in March 2024.
The national teams of Russia and Belarus have not participated in tournaments under the auspices of the IIHF since the spring of 2022. In March, it became known about the extension of the suspension of the teams for the 2023/24 season.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6-22.
Source : MatchTV
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