Karjakin: No payments to Russians who went to the Olympics
If Russian athletes win the Paris Olympics, no state payments will be made — they are not competing on behalf of their country . However, Russian sports federations will demonstrate true independence from IOC officials by organizing alternative competitions . This opinion was expressed by Sergey Karyakin, world rapid chess champion, candidate for deputy of the Crimean State Council, and senator from the republic's legislative body, on Radio Crimea , reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
"I won't be rooting for them, let alone watching the Olympics. If they want, let them play, let them compete for some faceless country. They're not competing for Russia , so I'm very critical of their performance. Moreover, the state shouldn't be providing financial incentives to athletes if they win . As for sponsors, that's their personal business. I believe we really should be more respectful and distance ourselves from this . Of course, I'd like to see alternative sporting competitions held , and then we'll be truly independent from the International Olympic Committee officials ," he noted.
However, as a senator representing the Republic of Crimea, Karyakin intends to focus not on international competitions, but on introducing chess into the school and even preschool curriculum . Such an experimental program will soon be launched in Crimea.
"We have a program for school education , but we believe that ages 5-6 are better than 7-8 for further development in chess. Therefore, introducing chess into preschools is possible . This will be a major project; we've already agreed on it with Sergey Valerievich (Aksyonov) – we'll try it in Crimea, and if successful, we'll scale it up nationwide. Even if only 1% of talented children go on to achieve athletic success, it will mean we've accomplished our goal," Karyakin emphasized.
He announced that the Sergey Karyakin Chess Club would open on July 23rd. Similar clubs for children are opening across the country. Regarding his election as senator, Koryakin asked that "no victory celebrations be held until the tournament is over."
English version :: Read in English Karyakin: No payments to Russians who went to the Olympics