Alex Ovechkin addresses uncertainty surrounding Russia's participation in future Olympics

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Jul 29, 2024 13:30 GMT

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin recently spoke out about the uncertainty surrounding Russia's potential participation in future Olympics.

Despite not taking part in international hockey events since the 2019 World Championships, Ovi expressed his desire to represent his country at the international level as his career nears its final stages.

However, Alex Ovechkin highlighted the prevailing uncertainties and reckons that his chances of representing Russia in international ice hockey are slim.

During a Russian-language interview with his friend and blogger Amiran Sardarov, when asked if he wants to pursue an Olympic gold medal, Ovechkin expressed his willingness.

However, the 38-year-old Russian veteran highlighted the current situation with the team, mentioning that they are being prevented from participating in the World Championships or the Olympics.

Due to these restrictions, Alex Ovechkin expressed uncertainty about how the situation will unfold (as quoted by RMNB):

"In theory, yes, but you see what is happening with our team now. They are not allowing us to participate in the World Championships or the Olympics, so I don’t know how this will all happen.”

Notably, the International Hockey Federation has banned Russian and Belarusian teams from its major tournaments since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. This ban has been extended through the 2024-25 season, with a decision on their eligibility for the 2025-26 season scheduled for May next year.

Moreover, Russia and Belarus are also not included in the roster of hundreds of countries that have athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. This marks Russia's absence from its fourth consecutive Olympic Games, spanning two summer and two winter editions, including the ongoing 2024 Olympics.

Athletes from Russia and Belarus are not permitted to compete under their national title, flag, or anthem at the 2024 Olympic Games. Instead, they're participating as individual neutral athletes, known as "AIN."

This situation arises due to their countries' involvement in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Notably, Belarus is facing this ban as a country for the first time.

Alex Ovechkin shares insights on retirement

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-New York Rangers at Washington Capitals - Source: Imagn

Ovechkin recently expressed his thoughts on hanging up his skates and mentioned the key reason for not retiring is his enjoyment and passion for playing. He said:

"Why do I need this, I have everything, I have enough of everything.’ But after three to four days of suffering like that, you get into a routine and realize that you still love this business. If I didn’t love it, I would have finished already."

Alex Ovechkin will be entering his 20th season in the NHL in October. With 853 goals, Ovi needs 42 more strikes to surpass Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record.