In contemporary Russia, President Vladimir Putin is advocating for the eradication of unfairness, expressing that he would no longer qualify as a Master of Sport under the current system.
Meeting of the Head State and Minister of Sport
On a Monday filled with anticipation, the head of state huddled with Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyarev. Snapped by Gavriil Grigorov/Tass, the meeting was far from routine. Instead of the usual report, the Russian leader sought updates on four significant topics.
FREE FOR ALL: CHILDREN'S SPORTS
The first topic zeroed in on children's sports. The minister divulged that a staggering 22 million children in Russia are involved in sports, access to which is getting easier as all entry fees for competitions were abolished on May 1.
However, Degtyarev acknowledged an ongoing issue – exorbitant fees in children's and youth sports schools. Admitting, "We believe that restoring social justice will require changes in legislation."
- We set a precedent ourselves, - President Putin responded with a sardonic twist. - Today, I probably wouldn't have made the master of sports in sambo or judo, even if I were involved in sports. My family couldn't afford to pay for every step of a young athlete!*
Degtyarev pledged to tackle this issue, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
VICTORY FOR THE WARRIORS
Flicking the focus to sports rehabilitation for wounded veterans, the second major topic discussed was competitions held for them, and the provision of necessary support.
We work hand-in-hand with the 'Patriots of Russia' fund, the Paralympic Committee, and the FBM, - Degtyarev divulged. - We have four partners. I won't bore you with details about all the competitions.
TAXING THE BETS
Regarding the third topic, President Putin queried the allocation of funds. The solution is the Russian Sports Fund, Degtyarev shared, funding to be sourced from bookmakers through their bets on foreign sports.
The fund will be filled through contributions from bookmakers' bets on foreign events. We will leave domestic ones untouched to foster domestic leagues and federations. Last year's total contribution was 35 billion rubles, - the minister reckoned.
Degtyarev elaborated that the fund is being established to ensure that all funds reach their intended recipients, eliminating issues observed by 2024.
ON THE WORLD STAGE
Your concern, Mr. President, is the country and athletes not being excluded from World Championships. I address that too, - assured Degtyarev. - Last year, our athletes won 71 medals, 32 of them gold. This year, we are preparing to compete in 28 World Championships, our athletes granted entry to the Olympic qualifiers in Italy, although only in three sports so far, but the process is ongoing.
WHO'S WORKING OUT?
The fourth question was on achieving a fitness goal for the Russian population. Degtyarev reported that the target of 55% of Russians engaging in sports this year had already surpassed. However, computations of actual participation remain challenging.
We've almost finalized a "My Sport" system, with digitization underway. In the near future, we will have accurate statistics, - reported Degtyarev. - Then, we will see who's been mobilizing their muscles.
We've enhanced our understanding of sports participation, and we're making strides in fostering active engagement. With innovative systems like the "My Sport" in place, we're set to shore up the fitness landscape for the better.
Additionally, corporations, communities, and the older generation play pivotal roles in our mission to champion wide-scale sports participation.
As we continue to navigate international sports politics, our focus remains firmly on bolstering domestic sports prowess and inspiring participation from within.
The first sentence that contains the words 'sports', 'football' could be: "In the context of children's sports, Minister Degtyarev revealed that a massive 22 million children in Russia are involved, but exorbitant fees in children's and youth sports schools remain an ongoing issue."
The second sentence that contains the words 'sports', 'football' could be: "Degtyarev also spoke about sports rehabilitation for wounded veterans, mentioning competitions held for them and the provision of necessary support, although no specific mention of football was made in this context."
