Tiraspol, 18 April. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. The chair of the government, Pavel Prokudin, held an interagency meeting to discuss the principles of the participation of Pridnestrovian professional athletes in international competitions in the national teams of recognised countries.
At the moment the republic's unrecognised status does not allow Pridnestrovie to be represented by its own teams at various tournaments. Very often our athletes have to join Moldovan national teams, enhancing the prestige of Moldova's sports. According to the prime minister, this state of affairs hurts the country's image.
«It is very bitter to see our guys standing on a pedestal with other country's flag waving over them," added the prime minister.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also subscribes to this point of view. As was noted by a deputy foreign minister, Dmitry Palamarchuk, the Republic of Moldova merely «consumes» our athletes.
However, Pavel Prokudin emphasised that «no progress or professional growth is possible without competition». At the same time, the chair of the government, highly assessed the patriotism of our athletes who always try to stress their affiliation to Pridnestrovie.
As the government's press service reports, Pridnestrovian athletes come out strong in Russian national teams. Meeting participants noted by the way that the Russian Federation is not only a guarantor state and our economic partner, but also implements social projects in the sphere of sports.
A cooperation memorandum, signed in February 2015 between Russia's ministry of sports and Pridnestrovie's State Agency for Sports, has become a direct communication channel. Participants concurred it is time to proceed to more active interaction in this sphere.
They also talked about the advanced training of local coaching staff and athletes at masterclasses and seminars with the involvement of leading Russian specialists. Special attention was given to the enhancement of patriotic upbringing in sports schools and clubs. Following the meeting the chair of the government gave a number of instructions.
