According to him, sports diplomacy is being actively pursued.
"There are people to talk to, there are issues to discuss, and we will fight for our national team," Degtyarev said.
He noted that the United States is interested in Russia’s participation, since without it, competitions lose their level.
"What kind of competitions are they without Russia? The competition is weaker, and fake champions are not needed by anyone. Without us, any competition produces fake champions," the minister stressed.
Degtyarev also addressed critics from Scandinavia—Sweden, Norway, and Finland—who oppose the admission of Russian athletes.
"They are humiliating themselves. They are not real champions; deep down, they know this, and we constantly point it out to them. Guys, without us you are fake," he stated.
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