Pavel Rozhkov, president of the Russian Paralympic Committee, recently organized a sitting volleyball tournament for Russian military personnel, prompting international criticism and an official response from FIVB. The event, called "Heroes of Our Time Cup," took place on June 22 in Moscow and featured teams comprised of individuals that Ukraine refers to as "occupants."
When questioned by Ukrainian publication Glavkom about this controversial tournament, FIVB offered a notably hands-off response. "FIVB understands that the event you mention was organized by the Russian Paralympic Committee and included the Paralympic discipline of sitting volleyball. Since FIVB does not manage or control any Paralympic competitions, this event is outside FIVB's jurisdiction," the international governing body stated.
The tournament crowned Buryatia as champions, with Moscow taking silver and Zabaykalsky Krai securing bronze medals. Ukrainian sources emphasize that organizing such events violates International Paralympic Committee rules.
"From the first days of the special military operation, we've been visiting hospitals, rehabilitation centers, conducting Paralympic lessons and masterclasses. Sitting volleyball was among the sports we showcased and offered the guys to participate in," Rozhkov explained. "Based on the results of all our major competitions held over the past two years, we selected the 15 best teams that came here. For them, this is a kind of world championship, Paralympic Games, because they are the best of the best in their federal districts."
Interestingly, the All-Russian Volleyball Federation co-organized the event despite potential implications for their standing with international sporting bodies. Rozhkov also noted that six participants from this tournament have already been included in the Russian national sitting volleyball team.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between international sports governance and Russian sporting organizations amid the current geopolitical climate. Will other sports federations take a firmer stance on similar events, or continue to sidestep politically sensitive issues by claiming jurisdictional limitations?
