“The Russian national team deserves to compete at the international level, we show very beautiful volleyball” – Fedorovtseva

The Russian national volleyball team deserves to participate in international competitions, the team always shows a beautiful game, said a volleyball player of the Russian national team and Turkish Fenerbahçe in an interview with . Arina Fedorovtseva .

In the spring of 2022, Russian athletes and national teams were suspended from participating in international tournaments in most sports due to the situation in Ukraine. In March 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced new recommendations regarding the individual admission of Russians and Belarusians. These include neutral status, a ban on participation in team sports, and a ban on the participation of athletes associated with security forces or who have expressed support for the SVO. The same requirements now apply to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

— In December, the IOC announced the conditions for admitting Russian athletes to the Paris Olympics, and team sports are not allowed at all. What do you think of this decision?

“It is very sad and sad that we volleyball players will not have the slightest chance to participate in the next Olympic Games. This is the highest competition that every athlete aspires to. I was very happy when I arrived at the Tokyo Olympics and I really, really wanted to go to Paris. It’s sad, of course, but under no circumstances should we lose the motivation and hope of returning to international level.

We cannot lose the quality of our volleyball, of our game, because at any time we can be dismissed. We must be ready for this in order to show everyone that the Russian national team is now at a good level, we have excellent players. We deserve to always perform at the international level, we show really beautiful volleyball. This is why, when we are suspended, we must also work and progress, both individually and collectively.

— What result could the current generation of the Russian women’s team achieve in Paris?

“I don’t want to make any assumptions and say we could win the Olympics. It’s probably stupid. But I’m sure we would have played well. There has been a rejuvenation in our team, now we really have a very talented generation. We have a lot of competition for every position on the field; our team would be balanced at all positions. Also, many girls from the youth teams played together, we play well together, we have good relationships in the team. There is a great atmosphere in the team, and that is very important. Therefore, I am sure that at the Olympic Games we will show a good game,” Fedorovtseva said in an interview with .