"It's hard to compete": the sports minister described how Zelensky supports athletes during the war

Ukraine continues to fight for its independence during the full-scale war against Russia, while domestic sport continues to live on.

The Ukrainian people continue to compete in international tournaments and host internal competitions. At the same time, the state actively helps them finance their needs, Tribuna reports.

What Bydnyy said about Zelenskyy

Matviy Bidnyi has headed the Ministry of Youth and Sports for almost three years. He was initially appointed acting minister instead of Vadym Hutskait.

And in 2024-u, Bidnyi fully assumed the post and remained in it despite a change of government and prime minister. Matviy spoke in more detail about the role of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in supporting sport.

The president actively supports sport and devotes great attention to it. It would be completely wrong to say that sport is not timely during the war. For the president, especially everything related to children's, mass sport, and sport at the highest achievements, is of absolute importance. The same goes for all our prime ministers. They also understand the importance of this direction. Although when we talk about winter preparations and the state of critical infrastructure, it is difficult to compete for the focus of attention,

– Bidnyi said.

Do Russians compete in international tournaments?

It is worth noting that among the tasks of the Ministry of Youth and Sports are not only organizing Ukrainian participation in tournaments but also preventing Russians from competing. In fact, many federations ban athletes from the terrorist country from competing under their flag.

Russian teams have been disqualified from competitions for the duration of the war against Ukraine. Individual athletes, however, are admitted to tournaments under a neutral status.

Earlier, Putin's new mistress was demanded to be removed from international figure skating competitions. Kamila Valieva has a controversial reputation and openly supports the president of Russia.