MOSCOW, Aug 1. The decision of the International Skating Union (ISU) to update ratings and award titles in the absence of Russians is a continuation of the discriminatory policy of world sports structures, Russian Minister of Sports Oleg Matytsin believes. Earlier, figure skating coach Eteri Tutberidze called it absurd to hold international competitions, update world rankings and distribute titles in the absence of Russian skaters.» The formation of rating lists is the prerogative of international federations. The ISU decision to update ratings and award titles in the absence of our athletes is a continuation of the discriminatory policy of world sports structures, which should remember that their main task is to develop sports, maintain conditions for fair competition,” said Matytsin, whose commentary was provided by the press service of the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation. “Russia is part of the international sports movement, we continue to strengthen the national sports system, create conditions for training training and competitive practice. In confirmation of this, the results of our athletes in Russian competitions are superior to world ones: for example, Evgenia Chikunova at the Friendship Games or Anzhelika Sidorova at the Moscow Athletics Championships,» the minister said. Matytsin believes that world sport deprives fans of the spectacle, and themselves – the opportunity to develop competition between the strongest athletes.”Fans from all over the world are always waiting for the performance of our incredible Olympic champions, world champions in many sports, including figure skating. I am sure that at the upcoming Grand Prix series in Russia we will see a lot of bright skates from our stars, with each performance they have something to surprise their fans, and world sport, unfortunately, deprives itself of the opportunity to develop competition between the strongest, «said on March 1, against the backdrop of events in Ukraine, the Council of the International Skating Union (ISU) suspended Russian and Belarusian figure skaters, speed skaters and short track skaters from participating in international tournaments.In June, the ISU Congress approved this decision, it will be valid until further notice.
