Konyukhov said in an interview that he “wouldn’t shake hands” with Ovechkin and that he doesn’t respect him as an athlete because the hockey player plays in the United States.
“People generally don’t understand that every athlete can perform in any country and at the same time represent their country. Next to the name of Alexander there is always Russia, our flag, the name of our country is announced. What kind of lack of patriotism can we talk about? This is simply absurd: he supposedly won’t shake her hand. Well, okay, we don’t need this hand. What kind of statements are these?
Alexander is an exceptional athlete and the face of our hockey. How can you say such a thing? Konyukhov, apparently, does not realize that times have changed and our hockey players play all over the world, glorifying Russia. Ovechkin has been playing in America for 20 years, but he actively participates in sports life here and contributes to the development of sports. Alexander is a man of victory. And Konyukhov should think before saying such things,” Tarasova said in an interview with Match TV.
- Tereshchenko spoke about Konyukhov’s dislike for Ovechkin
Source: Sport

I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.