“The absence of international tournaments affects the level of Russian volleyball players” – Fitisova

The absence of important international competitions affects the level of Russian national team volleyball players, Elizaveta Fitisova, who blocks the Russian team, told .

In June, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) extended the suspension of Russian teams and athletes 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 the eve of the women’s teams of Russia and Belarus held two friendly matches, one of them – according to retro rules, the Russians were twice as strong.

– How does the withdrawal of the national team from international tournaments affect Russian players?

– When I managed to participate in the CEV Challenge Cup, Tijana Boskovic (Serbian volleyball player, double world champion) faced me and I watched her play. So you get some kind of experience, and in a suspended situation it can’t be done, so I think it affects the players.

– What are the chances for the volleyball team to play at the Paris Olympics?

– I don’t know. I heard that according to the latest news, not all players are allowed to participate in the tournament. If we’re still playing, that’s great. As you know, every athlete’s dream is the Olympics, Fitisova told .

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.