Cyclist Malkova said she did not know about the application for the Pan-Arab Games for the Syrian national team
Russian cyclist Daria Malkova denied the news about her decision to play for the Syrian national team at the 2023 Pan Arab Games. It is reported by “Match TV”.
“I had to hook up local girls for these Games as a sparring partner. I thought, “Why not?” Of course, I am not going to change my citizenship and I was not going to participate in the Pan-Arab Games, ”said Malkova.
The athlete stressed that she was not aware that she was announced for the tournament as part of the Syrian team. She added that she was returning to Russia to participate in the national track cycling championship.
The Pan Arab Games 2023 are being held in Algiers. Competitions will last from 5 to 15 July.
Malkov and six other athletes were announced for the tournament under changed names
On July 4, the Naked Sport Telegram channel reported that seven Russian athletes were declared to represent Syria at the 2023 Pan Arab Games.
It was noted that javelin thrower Karina Poludkina, swimmer Anastasia Sorokina, badminton player Daria Dzhedzhula, gymnast Alexandra Maksimova, judoka Milana Mugu and sisters Malkova should take part in the tournament. Mugu and Maksimova also have links to the Syrian national team on the websites of the International Judo Federation and the International Gymnastics Federation.
Five Russians appeared in the list of participants under changed names. The Malkovs were listed as Tatia Malko and Darie Malko, Poludkina as Karina Polud, Sorokina as Enas Sorkine, Mugu as Milana Mrad.
The Russian national team called the transition to the Syrian team a violation of the rules
Earlier on July 4, the head coach of the Russian national cycling team Sergey Kovpanets called the transition to the Syrian team a violation of all possible rules. His words are quoted by RIA Novosti.
They do not have the right to play for the Syrian team. I don’t know how to explain it. And in general, to be honest, no one will answer this question for you now. From them [Мальковых] peace and quiet
The specialist noted that the question should be asked to the party that initiated the application in this form. He added that consultations should be held on this issue.
The Russian Cycling Federation stated that they had not received applications for changing sports citizenship
President of the Russian Cycling Federation Vyacheslav Ekimov confirmed that the Malkov sisters should soon return to Russia. He told Match TV about this.
It was an invitation to the tournament in private, the federation did not receive such an invitation. Just as there were no notifications about the desire to change sports citizenship from these racers
At the end of February 2022, most sports organizations suspended Russians and Belarusians from tournaments on the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee.
Source: Lenta
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