Russian chess player Goryachkina said that the neutral flag does not put pressure on her
Russian chess player Alexandra Goryachkina appreciated her performance at international tournaments under a neutral flag. She spoke about this at a press conference of the MIA “Russia Today”.
The athlete said that the lack of national symbols does not put pressure on her. “Everyone knows where I came from, where I will return. They know which country I represent. The flag and the anthem are important for an athlete, but the Cup will suit me, too,” she said.
On August 21, three-time Russian champion Goryachkina, playing under the flag of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), won the World Cup. In the final of the tournament, which took place in Azerbaijan’s Baku, she was stronger than the Bulgarian Nurgyul Salimova.
FIDE allowed Russians and Belarusians to compete in international competitions under a neutral flag until January 1, 2024. After the expiration of this period, athletes will be returned the right to compete under the flag of their country, unless otherwise decided before.
Source: Lenta
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