Amidst Russian Reservist Call-ups, International Sports Training Camps Canceled

by Retta Race 17

September 26th, 2022 Europe, International, News

Although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned Russian athletes from most all of international sport since this past May, the nation has continued to find ways to compete at events like the “Friendship Games” and the Spartikiad. Along with this competition is continued training, which has included hosting training camps outside its borders. Russia’s Ministry of Sports has ordered its national sports governing body to suspend these activities abroad, however.

Allied nations Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and China have hosted Russian various training camps. Specifically, the suspension applies to training camps and competitions for which the Ministry of Sports finances the trip.

The mandate was handed down following this week’s announcement from Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu that nearly 300,000 reservists have been called up to ‘fight the full force of the “collective West” which has been supplying Kyiv’s forces with advanced weapons, training and intelligence.’ (Reuters)

As such, the suspension of international training camps for Russian athletes is considered a tactic to ensure those of fighting age are essentially contained and prevented from fleeing Russia.

Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin told state-run Russian media outlet TASS that domestic training events will instead be held internally.

“Our country has the necessary resources to organize training events for national teams,” said Matytsin.

“The current decision is dictated by the general course to strengthen the national sports industry and the formation of sports and economic sovereignty.

“We are preparing the training camp schedule together with the Russian sports federations, we are in constant working interaction with them.”

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, the United Nations has estimated that 6,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, in addition to tens-of-thousands of soldiers (estimates range widely depending on the source). A recent investigation by the United Nations Human Rights Council has confirmed that human rights violations have been committed in Ukraine, with more evidence of such violations coming as Ukraine pushes Russia back from certain occupied territories in the country.

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NB1
2 years ago

if you are a Russian athlete in your 20s. you can forget Paris.

Yozhik
2 years ago

I’m surprised to see Armenia in the list of supporters of Russian war in Ukraine. I have many Armenian friends and through them know how historically strong the spirit of independence is in this ancient Caucasian nation.
Maybe Putin promised them Mount Ararat back.

Admin
Reply to  Yozhik
2 years ago

Here’s a good article on how the Russian war in Ukraine is shaping relationships between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

https://carnegieendowment.org/2022/04/25/ukraine-war-is-reshaping-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-pub-86994

Obese Legend
2 years ago

In other news, the long time coach of Shkurdai will move to USA to continue her coaching career. She had intended to bring Shkurdai together there, but it was not possible. They mentioned that one of the obstacles is the fact that Shkurdai is not eligible for NCAA anymore due to her participation in ISL. Therefore they decided to break up and Shkurdai will find herself a new coach.

James Beam
2 years ago

Serious question here; does anyone know if Minakov made it back to Stanford?

Jojorab
Reply to  James Beam
2 years ago

He’s there

Admin
Reply to  James Beam
2 years ago

He’s in pictures at Avery this week, so looks like he did.

James Beam
Reply to  Braden Keith
2 years ago

thank you. Glad he is back.

Swimpop
2 years ago

Fixed it for him:

“Our country has the necessary resources to organize doping events for national teams,” said Matytsin

Tomek
2 years ago

Russia looks now like a desperate country…I doubt russians forced into service will have a strong will to fight for their country.

2Fat4Speed
2 years ago

So at what point will Rylov be stuck on the front lines…?

SC87
Reply to  2Fat4Speed
2 years ago

He will be ready for paris 2024, tranquilo broski

Qqq
Reply to  SC87
2 years ago

It’s a legitimate question though even if posted sarcastically – Russia is tightening up the borders to prevent fighting aged men from leaving the country so they can train them up for a day or two and drop them into the fighting. At what point do things get desperate enough where national team athletes no longer have any protections?

And if Russia uses tactical nukes, Paris 2024 won’t be a concern for Russian athletes…

Obese Legend
Reply to  SC87
2 years ago

Isn’t he a sergeant in Russia? If he’s in favor of the war, why doesn’t he go to the front line himself?😃

SC87
Reply to  Obese Legend
2 years ago

Front line himself , like Klete Keller did for big Don ?

Go Kamminga Go
Reply to  SC87
2 years ago

Klete Keller is an idiot

SC87
Reply to  Go Kamminga Go
2 years ago

And Rylov is dominating 200 back, fair reason to hate him ,right ?

About Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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