The issue of the return of Russian athletes to international tournaments is finally moving to a practical level. In some sports we are talking about performing under national symbols. However, even at such times there are those who want to change the flag.

The Russian wrestling champion decided to represent Kyrgyzstan. But the FSBI is not too worried about the loss.

New champion of Kyrgyzstan

The transition of Russian athletes to foreign flags is not a new phenomenon, although from the moment Russians began to be discriminated against in the international arena, the unpleasant process has intensified. Figure skaters, tennis players, wrestlers, swimmers, and cyclists left for the national teams of other countries for various reasons.

It would seem that the situation for our athletes has begun to change for the better: performing at international competitions is now not such a rarity, some have even begun to compete or are preparing to do so under the tricolor. But those who want to change their sports citizenship still remain. The day before, freestyle wrestler Malik Shavaev decided to switch to a foreign flag.

The two-time champion of Russia and champion of the BRICS Games won the Kyrgyz championship in freestyle wrestling in the weight category up to 86 kg and now intends to represent this country on the international stage. In 2026, Bishkek will host the Asian Championships, a little later Bahrain will host the World Championships, and Japan will host the Asian Games. Malik, if circumstances do not interfere, is preparing to compete at these international tournaments.

“We get compensation”

The President of the Russian Wrestling Federation (FSBR), Mikhail Mamiashvili, does not see a big tragedy in the athlete’s transition to the banner of Kyrgyzstan.

— He is not a member of the Russian national team. Therefore, he decided to change his citizenship and try his luck in the Kyrgyz national team. It is completed in accordance with the established procedure, and we receive compensation for this. “And I can only wish Malik success,” Mamiashvili told Match TV.

Malik Shavaev and Ibragim Kadiev / Photo: © Dmitry Chelyapin / Match TV

If we leave out the success at the BRICS Games, then Malik did not manage to make much noise on the international stage. In 2021, at the European Championships, he lost in the quarterfinals, and over time, he stopped making the national team altogether. Of course, this is not exactly a valid reason to change citizenship. But if there is no hope of returning to the ranks of the strongest at the national level, and career ambitions are higher than the flag, then what is the point of keeping such an athlete?

In general, there is nothing good about any losses for Russian sports. But it’s better to part with those who cannot compete with the strongest, and even receive compensation, than to give away potential champions. Moreover, Malik did not allow himself to make pretentious speeches about a “new homeland,” which some ex-Russian tennis players were guilty of. Therefore, in a particular case, perhaps, we can sincerely wish the wrestler success on the mat. Of course, with the exception of fights with the Russians.