World Aquatics Proposes Hosting Championships in Russia Amid Previous Sanctions
World Aquatics proposes that Russia host European, World events — Russian sports official
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World Aquatics has suggested that Russia host upcoming World and European swimming championships, according to Dmitry Mazepin, chairman of the Russian Aquatic Sports Federation. Yekaterinburg is proposed as a potential venue following the lifting of sanctions against Russian athletes.
- 01World Aquatics has offered Russia the chance to host the World and European championships.
- 02Dmitry Mazepin highlighted that Kazan is no longer a viable venue, and Moscow lacks suitable options.
- 03Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev proposed Yekaterinburg as a potential location due to its facilities.
- 04World Aquatics previously banned Russia and Belarus from international competitions in March 2022.
- 05Sanctions against Russian athletes were lifted in April 2026, allowing them to compete under their national flags.
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At the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Dmitry Mazepin, chairman of the Russian Aquatic Sports Federation (RASF), announced that World Aquatics has proposed that Russia host the upcoming World and European swimming championships. Mazepin stated that Kazan is no longer a suitable venue, and Moscow currently lacks appropriate options. In response, Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev suggested Yekaterinburg as a potential host city, citing its luxury swimming facilities built for a cancelled Universiade. This development follows the lifting of sanctions against Russian athletes by World Aquatics in April 2026, which had previously barred Russia and Belarus from international competitions due to geopolitical tensions. The international swimming body now allows athletes from these countries to compete under their national flags, marking a significant shift in policy.
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Hosting international championships could boost local economies and enhance Yekaterinburg's reputation as a sports destination.
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