Zhurova called Olympic Games cancellation unlikely due to COVID

There is no doubt that China will do everything possible to prevent massive infections at the Games, she said.

Svetlana Zhurova, first vice president of the State Duma’s committee on international affairs, believes that the organizers of the Olympic Games in China will not make mistakes related to the restrictions due to COVID-19. She said so in an interview with RBC Sport.

“The next Olympic Games, I don’t think, will be canceled. It’s highly unlikely now. China has always been distinguished by a serious approach to the issue of ancient restrictions. There is no doubt that in February, the authorities will do everything at the highest level and will do everything to prevent the infection of athletes. When athletes are together on the same team for a long time, the risk of the virus spreading dramatically increases, which is why we are seeing massive infections. At the World Championships in Canada, the organizers ignored all the moments, which led to the tournament being suspended. The federations and the IOC must draw conclusions and protect the athletes against infection during the next Olympic Games, ”Zhurova said.

Earlier, the Council of the International Ice Hockey Federation decided to prematurely end the World Youth Championship held in Canada. The reason was the cases of massive infections of athletes with coronavirus during the tournament. Infected players have been identified in the national teams of the United States, Czech Republic and Russia.

The Winter Olympics will be held from February 4 to 20, 2022 in the capital of the People’s Republic of China – Beijing.