Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation Oleg Matytsin at a press conference, he spoke about the holding in Kazan of the 1st stage of the complex international competitions in swimming, diving and synchronized swimming “Friendship Games”.
— The Friendship Games are not meant to be alternative events to international competitions. We all understand that this idea was formed in order to maintain the level of competition for our best athletes, and secondly, to show that Russia remains an open country. We must not lose our potential. Coaches and athletes must be given the opportunity to perform. Sport without competition is like a musician rehearsing all the time without a concert. It is great that many countries have responded. This means that Russia remains a reliable international partner in the field of sport.
It is a pity that our athletes did not participate in the World Cup. With these competitions, we give the opportunity to show the result. Organizing such competitions, we continue to stay in the sports family. We are independent and autonomous.
I am sure that the conditions in Kazan will be comfortable. Kazan is by right the sports capital of Russia. Tatarstan is one of the leaders in terms of infrastructure, in terms of the number of swimming pools. It is very important. Because in the previous period we have not always seen the best athletes in Russia. By organizing such competitions, we give a mass character to this sport.
Friendship Games is a good model for other sports. Now, on behalf of the President, we are preparing new formats for other sports. Including in friendly countries BRICS, SCO. We have not limited invitations for countries. We are a family. We do everything so that Russia preserves the principles of friendship. There are no restrictions from the International Federation. There is no recommendation for countries not to come to the Friendship Games. We understand that losing such a partner to Kazan is too useless,” Matytsin said in a hybrid press conference.
Phase I of the Friendship Games will be held in Kazan from July 19 to August 3, 2022.
Source : MatchTV
