Russia installs sanctioned sports minister as Olympics chief

Russia has appointed its sanctioned sports minister, Mikhail Degtyaryov, as the new president of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), intensifying its defiance against global sporting sanctions tied to the Ukraine conflict. Degtyaryov, a staunch ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and member of the right-wing Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, was elected unopposed on Friday following the unexpected resignation of former ROC head Stanislav Pozdnyakov in October.

The move signals Moscow's resolve to assert its dominance in sports governance despite mounting international isolation. Russian athletes have faced bans from major competitions, including the Paris Olympics, due to the Ukraine war, while the country's ongoing state-sponsored doping scandal has cost it numerous Olympic medals.

Degtyaryov’s election, marked by 197 votes in favor and two abstentions, aligns with Russia’s pushback against the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which Moscow has accused of "neo-Nazism." Earlier plans for rival "Friendship Games" to challenge Paris 2024 were shelved indefinitely after delays.

In a speech before his election, Degtyaryov described Russian athletes as victims of "unprecedented external pressure," accusing the West of discriminatory practices. He expressed optimism about Russia's eventual reintegration into global sports. "Many [international colleagues] explicitly say they want Russia to return to the Olympic movement," he stated.

Controversial history and close ties to Putin

Degtyaryov, 43, has been sanctioned by the European Union and the United States for his involvement in Ukraine-related conflicts and conscription efforts. Despite not being a member of the ruling United Russia party, he was appointed sports minister by Putin in May 2024.

Previously, Degtyaryov served as governor of the Khabarovsk region, where he replaced a popular figure under contentious circumstances. Known for his loyalty to Putin and polarizing proposals, he has also advocated for symbolic changes, such as altering the Russian flag’s design.

As the ROC president, Degtyaryov inherits a challenging role amid Russia's strained ties with the IOC and limited participation in international events. Only 15 Russian athletes, competing as neutrals, represented the country in Paris 2024.

With his election, Degtyaryov aims to navigate Russian sports through its politically fraught environment while seeking opportunities for reintegration into the global sporting community.

(Sources: Agence France-Presse, Inside the Games)