The President of the HFR Sergey Shishkarev in the interview to TASS commented on the proposal of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to facilitate the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in international sports events, in particular in the 2024 Olympics qualifying.
— The decision of the Olympic Council of Asia on possible admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus to its qualifying tournaments deserves great respect. No political conflicts should affect the prospects of athletes to compete in such major competitions, as the Olympic Games, world and European championships. On our part, the Russian Olympic Committee and the Handball Federation of Russia will continue their diplomatic work, aimed to help our national teams to get a chance to take part in the Olympic Games in Paris. I constantly communicate both with the IHF President Hassan Moustafa and the head of the EHF Michael Wiederer on this issue.
We will hold consultations and facilitate decision-making that would correspond to the Olympic values and principles. Women’s national handball team of Russia played in the finals in last two Olympics, and, obviously, the tournament wouldn’t be complete without it. Men’s national teams of Russia and Belarus also reached rather high level. From my point of view, any option, that could approach our countries to participation in the Olympic Games, should be exploited entirely, — said Sergey Shishkarev.
Photo: the HFR press
