Athletes-equestrians from Russia can be returned to international competitions

The return of Russian equestrian athletes to international competitions depends on the results of the discussion at the General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC, ANOC), which is taking place in Seoul. Interfax writes about this with reference to the Secretary General of the Eurasian Equestrian Association (EEA) Sergei Buikevich.

The issue will be discussed on October 20.

“It is already clear to high-level sports officials that without the participation of athletes from Russia, international competitions lose a significant part of their sharpness, entertainment and drive,” the agency quoted the interlocutor as saying.

According to Buikevich, “ambitious foreign athletes” also “want awards obtained in a real intense struggle, which is impossible without the Russians.”

The EEA Secretary General recalled that the organization consistently supports the admission of Russian riders to international starts in 2023, as well as holding pre-Olympic dressage and show jumping qualifying tournaments in Russia before the 2024 Games in Paris.

Buikevich also noted that ANOC is the largest discussion platform in the world of sports, uniting 206 countries.

“Now the attitude towards the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions is changing significantly in a positive direction,” he said.

Earlier, the Russian Federation notified the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) of its readiness to hold the Eurasian Games in the 3rd Olympic equestrian disciplines in the rank of Special Olympic Qualification in the 2023 sports season, as well as more than 1.5 dozen international competitions. The Russian side proposed to hold 7 competitions in overcoming obstacles, 4 in triathlon, 3 in dressage, as well as a Paralympic dressage tournament.

The main venue for sporting events for Russian riders will be the sites of the MAXIMA PARK equestrian center near Moscow.