MOSCOW, Mar 17 More than 8 billion rubles saved after the transfer international competitions from the Russian Federation will be aimed at the development of Russian sports, said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, whose comment is given by the press service. Many international sports federations have canceled competitions in Russia on the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) against the backdrop of events in Ukraine. We have saved budget funds as a result of the cancellation of international competitions — the Champions League final, the World Volleyball Championship, the Special Olympics in Kazan, the World Ice Hockey Championship, the World Chess Olympiad, etc. According to preliminary calculations, the amount is more than 8 billion rubles. These funds will be fully spent to resolve issues in the interests of our citizens — the construction of sports facilities in the regions of Russia and the holding of domestic their events,» Chernyshenko said. «The government will make every effort to maintain the level of Russian elite sport. We will definitely support our athletes by organizing their participation in sports competitions with partners from friendly countries. We will continue to actively develop mass sports, creating additional infrastructure within walking distance for citizens,» he added.
