In Russia, they demand to deprive Kasatkina of a prestigious title. The tennis player just laughs

Recently, the first racket of Russia, Daria Kasatkina, often appears in news reports not because of sporting achievements – public attention is more attracted to the life position of the Russian tennis player, about which she began to speak often and openly. At the same time, the Ministry of Sports awarded her the title of Honored Master of Sports of Russia.

Given the informational background around the tennis player, this decision caused some misunderstanding. So, in the State Duma they even proposed to deprive the athlete of the newly received badge.

Daria has already laughed at this initiative.

“I don’t understand the decisions made in the Ministry of Sports”

Not so long ago, Kasatkina reached the semi-finals of Roland Garros, won titles at tournaments in San Jose (USA) and Granby (Canada), and also entered the top ten tennis players in the world. However, her main achievement is last year’s victory in the Russian national team in the Billie Jean King Cup (formerly the Federation Cup).

Daria Kasatkina / Photo: © REUTERS / Anton Vaganov

It is this success that is associated with the further assignment of the title of ZMS to Daria. The decision of the Ministry of Sports did not cause criticism among the majority of Russian tennis figures, however, State Duma deputy Roman Teryushkov doubted its correctness:

— It’s hard to explain anything here, I don’t understand the decisions made in the Ministry of Sports. It seems to me that the Honored Master of Sports of Russia is an honorary title that is awarded for contribution to raising the country’s prestige. I would like to ask other ZMS of Russia, who forged victories, glorified their country. To put in one row a person who wants Swiss citizenship is a question for me.

Assigned for a commercial tournament that bears the name of an American tennis player. The order must be challenged by the prosecutor’s office, because it does not fall under the criteria for assignment. I will make an appeal,” the deputy said on the air of the program “There is a topic!” on Match TV.

Kasatkina reacted promptly, ridiculing Teryushkov’s initiative.

— Ha-ha-ha! You just have an icon [ЗМС] no, you’re freaking out! — wrote Daria.

Kasatkina earned the title of ZMS

Roman Teryushkov has the right to his personal opinion, but the title of ZMS of Russia is not given for political views or sexual orientation. There are clear criteria for this award, which Daria fulfilled.

Yes, in the criteria of the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation there is a clause according to which, as an exception, an honorary title can be awarded for an outstanding contribution to raising the authority of the country and Russian sports as a whole at the international level. However, how this paragraph can exclude the possibility of Kasatkina being awarded the title of ZMS is completely incomprehensible.

Another thing is if Kasatkina still fulfills her desire and becomes a citizen of Switzerland. In this case, Teryushkov’s initiative will acquire logic. But for now, Kasatkina is just doing what brings sports victories to Russia. Albeit under a neutral flag.