Earlier, Ovechkin, 38, expressed hope that he would be able to participate in the Olympics. The 2026 games will be held in Italy, and the NHL has already announced that it will release its players for the 2026 and 2030 tournaments.
“With the right approach to hockey, Ovechkin will be able to participate in the 2026 Olympics. The age of athletes like Alexander should not be a determining factor; what is more important is his desire to play and his health.
“However, it is unlikely that we will be allowed to participate in the Olympic Games in Italy. If everything does not change this year, it is not clear how the current leadership, led by Bach, will act,” Kozhevnikov noted.
Ovechkin has played in 13 World Championships, three Olympics (2006, 2010, 2014) and two World Cups (2004, 2016). He missed the 2018 and 2022 games due to the NHL’s decision not to release players from competition.
- Ovechkin: “I hope I can still participate in the World Championships and the Olympic Games”
Source: Sport
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