Netizens mock Putin's words on Russia's role in world sport

Vladimir Putin became the target of harsh irony online after expressing views on Russia's role in international sport. The Kremlin dictator emphasised humanitarian values and the need for respect, but netizens pointed out that it was his actions that led to the country's complete isolation in the sporting world.

Statements on an era of change and equality

During his speech, Putin claimed that the current stage is characterised by transformations that determine the future and create conditions for the development of states and peoples. He devoted significant attention to the issue of children's and youth sports and the popularisation of physical culture among young people.

"Питанням розвитку дитячо-юнацького спорту, популяризації фізичної культури серед молоді відводиться значне місце. При цьому ми знаємо, що будь-які зміни, трансформації неможливі без міцного підґрунтя, а у спорту його достатньо. Насамперед говорю про його головні гуманістичні цінності – рівність, справедливість, взаємну повагу, про величезну об’єднавчу силу спорту. Ці цінності підтримує абсолютна більшість народів світу, що підтверджує, зокрема, і поступове повернення світової спортивної родини до базових принципів спорту", – сказав Путін. ("The issue of developing children's and youth sports and popularising physical culture among young people is given significant attention. At the same time, we know that any changes and transformations are impossible without a solid foundation, and sport has plenty of that. I am primarily talking about its main humanitarian values – equality, justice, mutual respect, and the huge unifying power of sport. These values are supported by the vast majority of the world's peoples, which is confirmed, among other things, by the gradual return of the global sports family to the basic principles of sport," Putin said.)

Reaction from Sports.ru audience

Readers of the Russian sports portal Sports.ru did not leave these statements unnoticed. In the comments, they reminded that it was Putin's policy that caused Russia's disqualification from global competitions.

Users used various formulations to express their dissatisfaction:

• "Самі себе зробили вигнанцями". ("You made yourselves outcasts yourselves.")
• "Йди у відставку, старий ти вже". ("Resign, you are already old.")
• "Доля всіх чиновників – говорити". ("The fate of all officials is to talk.")

The comments also mentioned the first Summer World Games of Friendship, which, according to a decision by the President of the Russian Federation, were scheduled to take place in Moscow in September 2024. Users also mocked the idea of a "Separate Civilisation" and questioned the neutrality of sport, mentioning a programme on the Match TV channel hosted by Gndo Aleksandrov and another personality referred to as "Tinka".

The discussion raised the question: if sport is supposed to be above politics, why does Match TV have a show hosted by Gndo Aleksandrov? And what about Tinka? Did the enemies impose them?