BEIJING, Mar 5, Oleg Bogatov. Athletes of the Russian wheelchair curling team they will be able to withstand a severe psychological blow, suspension from participation in the Paralympics in Beijing, and will find the strength to prepare for the 2026 Games, said the head coach of the national team Anton Batugin. On March 2, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) allowed the Russian Paralympians to compete. On March 3, under the threat of a boycott of the Games by a number of countries, due to the situation in Ukraine, he removed the entire Russian team from the Paralympics. The team led by Batugin is the 2020 World Champion and the bronze medalist of the 2021 World Championship. «It seems to me that our athletes will find strength in themselves,» said Batugin. high result. But everyone managed to survive it: someone went faster, for someone it lasted longer. And they continued to work and reached the Games of 2022. I think that each of them will make every effort to break through to the Paralympics 2026. Moreover, we will already have two disciplines at it — competitions among mixed doubles will be added. «The interlocutor of the agency noted that many Russian fans supported the team in a difficult situation.» The guys and I agreed to disconnect from all social networks,» the specialist noted. «But after the incident, this recommendation was withdrawn. And we were greatly supported in the general group, which includes almost all those who practice curling in our country gom in wheelchairs. And, of course, all the guys and girls also received words of support in their networks. We feel that we are very much worried about in our homeland.»
