Head coach of the Russian women’s volleyball team Zoran Terzic said his team is unlikely to be allowed into the 2024 Olympics in Paris, but he will be happy to be wrong on that question.
In June, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) extended the suspension of teams and athletes from Russia and Belarus from international competitions. It has also been decided not to display the national teams of Russia and Belarus in the world rankings for the period of their non-participation in the events, but their ranking points remain frozen in accordance with the decision of the Board of Directors of the FIVB from October 2022.
On Wednesday, the Russian national team beat the Belarusian national team 3-0 in a friendly match in Moscow (25:20, 25:21, 25:20).
– Does the suspension of international competitions affect players of the Russian national team?
“It has a big impact, it shows!” For players playing abroad, it’s a little easier. These volleyball players keep fit in Champions League matches, European competitions and other tournaments. In Russia, every year you play in the same tournaments, with the same opponents. It is impossible that under such conditions the level would become higher – it would remain in the same place. It’s bad, but you can’t help it.
– What are the chances of playing volleyball at the Paris Olympics?
“Unfortunately, I am 100% sure that this will not happen. God forbid I am wrong, but no one will give Russians the right to play, ” correspondent reports in Terzich’s words.
The Summer Olympics will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11, 2024. Russian national volleyball teams are not allowed to qualify for the Olympics.
Source : MatchTV
I’m John White and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. My specialty is covering sports news, which I’ve been doing for over 6 years now. During this time, I have worked as an author with Athletistic, a popular online news website focusing on sports topics.
