Mixed duo coach Gana Maksimova says for four-time world champion Alexander Maltsev, two-time world champion Maya Gurbanberdiyeva and European champion Olesya Platonova the refusal to participate in Spartakiad of the Strongest was a blow .
The Spartakiad of the strongest takes place only in the Olympic disciplines. A mixed duo is not. Mixed pairs only compete for medals at World and European Championships. In 2021 the World Cup did not take place due to the pandemic, now they are suspended from international competitions until the end of the year amid the situation in Ukraine.
– We were told that the Friendship Games would be equated with the World Cup, we kind of calmed down. Then it turned out not. But now the athletes need support, as they are deprived of international departures. We are looking for all options to support them. And the rejection of Spartakiad is the hardest blow in the stomach, Maksimova told .
– In addition, the Spartakiad is a cash prize.
– Sure. We are not even close in terms of financial indicators with team sports. We haven’t had world championships for a long time – they were canceled, postponed due to the pandemic. But how is it that inside the country we cannot support our athletes, the titled athletes?!
Source : MatchTV
