Stanislav Pozdnyakov: “It is important for us to participate in forming the international sports agenda”

The President of the Russian Olympic Committee, in his interview to reporters, spoke about the main results of the meeting of the ROC Executive Board.

– One of the main issues on the agenda was the preparation of Russian athletes for the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo. We discussed it with the leaders of All-Russian sports federations. Preparations are going ahead as usual. All other issues surrounding this topic do not affect our schedule of preparations for the Games in Tokyo, – emphasized Stanislav Pozdnyakov. – We also discussed the performance of Team Russia at the 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, where for the very first time our team claimed first place in the overall medal standings. This means that we have a great reserve capable of outstanding victories.

– During the meeting we also touched upon the ROC’s international activities last year. I would like to note that in terms of the number of Russian representatives in international sports federations we occupy fifth place, and there are prospects for moving ahead. This year and at the beginning of next year, numerous election congresses and conferences will be held where Russians will apply for seats in governing bodies of the international sports federations. It is important for us to participate in forming the international sports agenda, – added the head of the ROC.

Stanislav Pozdnyakov was also asked to comment on the news that the President of the International Fencing Federation Alisher Usmanov handed over Pierre de Coubertin’s original manuscript to IOC’s Olympic Museum in Lausanne. The manuscript is famous for establishing the basic principles of Olympism.

– I consider this event an important contribution of Russia to the international Olympic movement. It is not about the image of our country. In the sports world our image is not in jeopardy. We have witnessed a historic moment when a unique artifact was transferred from a private collection to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, where everyone can see it as of today. I am glad and proud of this achievement!