State Duma MP Dmitry Svishchev commented on the situation regarding the non-issuance of Canadian visas to a number of Russian figure skaters shortly before the start of the Skate Canada Grand Prix stage.
“To be honest, this visa situation already got it. Of course, this can only be disturbing.
I read the speech of FFKR leader Alexander Kogan – he is quite optimistic. He says that the problem will be solved, that the International Skating Union (ISU) is interested in it as well.
Everyone fully understands that today, without Russian figure skaters, no sports competition can be considered serious. All the best and most successful skaters dream of fighting with the Russians, because it is our athletes, the girls, who show the main results.
If desired, athletes can always meet halfway. If they really want to see athletes, they get visa assistance, despite the difficult situation with the coronavirus and the restrictions. If there is no policy here, it should be decided in the near future.
If there is a policy, then why can our athletes be tortured and mocked? It is no other name than mockery. They are getting ready – and are on edge: should they go or not? Everyone plans the competition in advance – especially during the Olympic season. I would call it interference in the preparations for the Olympics, ”said Svishchev.
“It’s psychological pressure. After all, the rest of the athletes will already be there, acclimatize, get used to the ice, stay in hotels and connect to the tournament. And ours will sit on suitcases and think whether or not they will arrive.
It will certainly not help the psychological balance before departure. Figure skating is a difficult technical sport, where any psychological depression can affect an athlete’s performance.
Alexey Yagudin said it was a political decision – I wouldn’t be in a hurry to say it, let’s see what happens next. It all depends on the organizers. They first had to check for possible visa problems. After all, the problem was not traced right away, but in advance. And they had to solve it. An organization as powerful as the Canadian Figure Skating Federation should have taken care of it.
I really wouldn’t want to take this as a provocation, but it’s still a flaw which unfortunately can cause issues with the performance of our guys. But we are counting on them, they have such a serious increase now, “- added assistant.
Will Valieva, Kostornaya and Tuktamysheva miss the Canadian Grand Prix? Depart in two days – visas have been approved for them, but passports have not been issued
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