Former Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov believes that Russian athletes should actively prepare for participation in the 2026 Olympic Games. The expert noted that this should not depend in principle on the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

According to Kolobkov, for many athletes, the Olympics are the culmination of their sporting careers, so it is important to plan for participation in the 2026 Games.

He also added in an interview with Gazeta.Ru that the Russian national team is preparing, and the task is to ensure the participation of the maximum number of athletes.

Recall, March 20, 2025 Kirsty Coventry, winner of seven Olympic medals, became the first woman as head of the IOC. She joined the organization in 2013 and has in her asset two gold medals in swimming.

In addition, on February 25, 2025, the IOC called on international sports federations to consider allowing Russians to participate in the Olympics-2026. The committee is confident that the participation of Russians in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where 15 athletes competed in a neutral status, was successful, and plans to apply a similar scheme for the 2026 Olympics.

Also earlier, coach Tatyana Tarasova spoke about the “suffering” generation of Russian athletes.

Author: Наталья Чудесатова

Despite fluctuating results and the absence of some key players from Russian Premier League (RPL) matches, Zenit St. Petersburg retain their chances of winning the title. According to Maxim Demenko, a former player of the club and the Russian national team, the team will fight to the end if it manages to avoid losses among the leaders.

Following the results of the last round Zenit defeated Rubin Kazan 4-0, which allowed the club to move to second place in the standings. Now the St. Petersburgers have 46 points, which is three less than the leader of the championship - “Krasnodar”. “Spartak”, which lost points in the match with ‘Akhmat’, now occupies the third line with 44 points.

Demenko noted to Gazeta.Ru that the absence of midfielder Wendel affected the game, as the team's tactical scheme largely depends on him. However, the overall level of Zenit remains high, and the club is capable of continuing the fight for the championship, if it can avoid further personnel losses.

Earlier, former Barcelona player Dani Alves announced plans to receive monetary compensation for the time spent in detention after he was acquitted in a rape case.

Author: Наталья Чудесатова