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Mazepin shares view on full international return for Russian, Belarusian swimmers

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MINSK, 3 June (BelTA) - Dmitry Mazepin, head of the Russian Aquatics Federation, has commented on the prospects for full participation of Russian and Belarusian swimmers in international competitions as he spoke to the media following his meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in Minsk on 3 June, BelTA has learned.

“I am here as the head of the Russian Aquatics Federation and as Vice President of the Russian Olympic Committee. We are working together intensively to ensure that all our athletes return to the international arena with their flag and anthem. “With regard to aquatic sports, for both Russia and Belarus, we have succeeded in convincing the international federation to permit Russian and Belarusian athletes in aquatic disciplines to take part. I was pleased to report to Aleksandr Grigoryevich [Lukashenko] that we are advancing together toward competing on the international arena without any restrictions whatsoever,” said Dmitry Mazepin.

In his words, challenging competitions lie ahead at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris, scheduled to take place this summer. “Challenging in the sense that the sport is open, and the international federation has restored all our rights. But whether the French authorities and political leadership will grant us visas and welcome us, that remains a question ‘to be pondered’,” Dmitry Mazepin said.

At the same time, he expressed hope that by the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, scheduled for the summer of 2027, all relevant issues will have been resolved: “I am confident that next year we will be able to come to Budapest with our flags, anthems, and compete.”

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