Coaching legend Irina Viner-Usmanova talked up ties between the 2 international locations
Russia will step up its sporting cooperation with China and might even assist its ally obtain success in occasions the place Russian athletes discover themselves banned, in response to Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation president Irina Viner-Usmanova.
Like their compatriots throughout a variety of sports activities, Russia’s formidable array of rhythmic gymnastics stars are at present sidelined from world competitors following a suspension imposed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) in March.
That means the likes of 18-time world champion Dina Averina and twin sister Arina have been barred from World Cup phases and might be absent from the 2022 World Championship held in Bulgaria in September.
Moving ahead, Russian rhythmic gymnastics boss and training icon Viner-Usmanova has talked up the chance of tighter ties with China within the face of Western sanctions.
“We have 600 competitive events planned between Russia and China this year. Our task is to connect with China as closely as possible, because it is a strong power. And not only in sports,” Viner-Usmanova informed journalists on the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Friday.
“They are very strong in rhythmic gymnastics… We will definitely work together and learn from each other.
“They are like us, and we’re like them. A really promising nation for us, particularly now. We will compete and transfer ahead.”
That cooperation could extend to helping Chinese gymnasts prepare for the World Championship, said Viner-Usmanova.
“We invited the Chinese group to coach for the World Championship, and we’ll attempt very arduous for them to win,” noted the gymnastics icon, who is a member of the Russian-Chinese Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development.
Viner-Usmanova added that despite being banned from FIG events, Russian stars such as the Averina twins had not been fully shunned by their international rivals.
That included Israeli gymnast Linoy Ashram, who was involved in a Tokyo Olympic row after she beat Dina Averina to gold in contentious circumstances last summer.
“We would not have unfriendly international locations in sports activities – these are the phrases of Vladimir Putin. We can’t have unfriendly athletes,” said Viner-Usmanova.
“Someday athletes will perceive this. Even those that are outraged and make some assaults [on us]. I’m positive that these are kids who had been merely misguided.
“Dina and Arina Averina communicate with Linoy Ashram, who won the Olympics. Ashram supported them and received unflattering reviews in her own country. Bulgarian athletes also write very friendly messages,”
READ MORE: Gymnastics icon explains how Russia will profit from sports activities bans
(RT.com)