Judoka Russian team adhere to the principle “sport is out of politics” and do not wish the Ukrainian anything bad George Zantaraia who intends to give up his titles due to the participation of Russians in international competitions, the Russian Olympic champion told Arsen Galstyan .
Russian judokas will perform in June at the Grand Slam tournament, which will be held in Mongolian Ulaanbaatar, as neutral athletes. European and world champion Zantaraya said on social media that if Russian athletes are allowed to participate in this tournament, he will officially give up all his titles and the title of world champion.
– It’s George’s choice, he has his own atmosphere and his own understanding of everything around him. As he sees fit, so be it. If he decides to say so, so be it. We do not wish evil on anyone and do not withhold evil from anyone. We Russian judoists intend to prove ourselves and fight on the mat. Everything must be played on the sports fields.
We are now in training camp, and I will also be at this Grand Slam tournament. Naturally, we do not support such statements directed at us. The Russian team is for keeping sport out of politics.
– What kind of relationship did you have with Zantaraya, with other Ukrainian judokas?
Everything was fine, we had a normal relationship. We have competed with them many times. We were always talking, were friendly.
Source : MatchTV
