Russian Sports Minister and President of the Russian Olympic Committee, Mikhail Degtyarev, has revealed that Russia, currently under IOC sanctions, is preparing to submit bids for both the Summer and Winter Olympics, aiming to host the world - renowned sporting event for the third time.
Degtyarev confirmed in an interview with TASS on Thursday that despite being suspended by the IOC, Russia is determined to host the Olympics again. He emphasized that Russia possesses the necessary infrastructure, experience, and hospitality capabilities to stage the Olympics at the highest level. "We will definitely submit a bid in the future and are ready to host the Olympics at the same high - standard as the previous two times," Degtyarev pledged, believing that Russia will restore all relations with the IOC and pave the way for the Olympics, and will bid for both the Winter and Summer Olympics.
Russia has a history of hosting the Olympics twice. It hosted the Moscow Summer Olympics in 1980 as a member of the Soviet Union and the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014. These two events were significant measures to showcase the country's strength on the global stage.
However, since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Russia's relations with the Olympic Movement have deteriorated significantly. The IOC's suspension of Russia has cast a shadow over its Olympic dreams.
Nevertheless, Russia's determination to bid for the Olympics shows its unwavering commitment to the Olympic cause. Whether Russia can successfully lift the sanctions and win the right to host the Olympics again remains to be seen, but its readiness and confidence are evident.
