The head of the Combat Sambo Federation of Russia called curling a harmful sport

President of the Combat Sambo Federation of Russia Alexei Maly on the air of the program “There is a theme!” on Match TV, he said that sports that “do not strengthen the defense capability of our country” are harmful and cited curling as an example.

– My father, my grandfather and my coach taught me that sports are useful and harmful. Useful – those that strengthen the defense of our country, and harmful – those that do not help the defense. Because we have an irreplaceable resource – time. And a child, when he grows up, he goes in for some kind of sport. And not doing wrestling, sambo, boxing, he is engaged in curling, something else that does not contribute to strengthening the defense capability of our country,” Maly said.

Maly noted that the Combat Sambo Federation of Russia is preparing a defender of the Fatherland.

– And we see that the guys, including on the battlefields, do not fail. And this is very important to understand, the whole country should understand this. That we are athletes, speaking at international competitions, we continue the struggle for the independence of our country, for the sovereignty of our country, for the preservation of our national identity. And I would like, of course, to be proud of the anthem, the flag, and not just to receive money,” he added.

The Russian team has previously won the medal standings of the European SAMBO Championships. The team competed under the flag of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS). Russians have 40 gold, 4 silver and 7 bronze medals.