Tatarstan plans to host several competitions this year in which foreign athletes will be able to participate. The republic's authorities are also discussing holding a major swimming tournament as an alternative to the canceled World Junior Championships, Tatarstan Sports Minister Vladimir Leonov told TASS.
"We want to make several open tournaments, all-Russian, starting somewhere from summer or autumn. We can invite those countries who have a desire to participate," Leonov said.
He noted that the international agenda in Kazan is almost completely removed. "The only event, which is still on our calendar, is the December World Short Course Swimming Championships, which we plan to hold at the Palace of Water Sport. We'll be watching the situation as it develops. We are now working closely with the Ministry of Sport of Russia. We plan to keep the current calendar, and I mean the all-Russian one," said the minister.
According to him, there is an idea to return to the format of the CIS Games that took place in Kazan last year. "Despite the fact that the Games were planned every two years, maybe some tournament just with the CIS [this year] should be held, too," the minister said. Also, together with the All-Russian Swimming Federation, they are discussing holding a major tournament, which could be an alternative to the canceled Junior World Swimming Championships in August.
"Of course, we want to get back on the international agenda in some volume, format as well. I think it will be relevant to talk about it in mid-summer because basically all calendars are formed enough now," Leonov said.
Earlier, Kazan canceled the Grand Slam judo tournament, World series stages in synchronized swimming and diving, Junior World Championships in swimming, Rugby World Cup-7, Special Olympics 2023, Euroleague basketball matches with UNICS.
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Photo: press service of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Tatarstan
Based on materials from TASS