Russian Olympic champion says Russia must return to the Olympics because "sport is an ambassador of peace"

Vladislav Tretyak, president of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RHF), demanded that the aggressor country return to international competitions because "sport is an ambassador for peace. The former State Duma deputy, in the best traditions of Kremlin propaganda, accused the federations and other organizations of political games.

Tretiak said as much in an interview with the television channel Match TV. The Olympic champion also said that it makes no sense for Russia to create an alternative Olympics, because in many sports athletes from Russia allegedly will not have a worthy competition, which will not cause interest among fans.

"There is hope that we will be back in the international family and go to the Olympics. Let's hope and get ready. We have to do everything we can to make the Olympics happen with our participation. In any case, sport is an ambassador for peace. This slogan should be written in large letters everywhere. And we should take politics out of sports. That is the most important thing. Alternative Olympics? In hockey it is unlikely. Unfortunately, we have a limited choice. In addition to the Belarusians, there is Kazakhstan. The other teams are not that strong. We have no one to play with in an alternative tournament. It's difficult," said the Olympic champion.

Recall that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended the federations to suspend from competition Russian athletes related to the Russian army and security forces, as well as from team sports.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, the coach of the Russian national gymnastics team Valentina Rodionenko called the IOC's demand to condemn the war in Ukraine a humiliation for Russians.

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