Russia looks to host major aquatics event
Russia’s Aquatic Sports Federation has put forward Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg as possible host cities for the World Aquatics Championships in 2031 or 2033.
The proposal follows signs that World Aquatics may be willing to discuss the return of a major international aquatics event to Russia, after sanctions against Russian and Belarusian athletes were lifted, according to a TASS report.
Dmitry Mazepin, head of the Russian Aquatic Sports Federation, said the governing body had received indications that World Aquatics was prepared to consider Russia as a future host.
“We also received proposals from World Aquatics about its readiness to consider the option of hosting the World Championships either in 2031 or in 2033, and they are open for discussions,” Mazepin said.
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Kazan not expected to be chosen again
Kazan, which hosted the event in 2015, is not expected to be the preferred option for another championship.
Mazepin said World Aquatics was not keen on returning the tournament to the same city.
“World Aquatics is not happy about holding the World Championships in Kazan once again. That city already hosted the World Cup in 2015,” he said.
That has shifted attention to other Russian cities with the capacity to stage a competition of this scale.
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Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg put forward
Mazepin said Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg were currently the strongest candidates because of their existing infrastructure.
“If we are really discussing this issue today, we propose the cities of Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg,” he said. “Other cities in the country are not currently able to offer the proper infrastructure for such competitions.”
The World Aquatics Championships are among the largest events in international swimming, diving, water polo and other aquatic disciplines, requiring extensive venues, accommodation and transport capacity.
Russia seeks return to international sport
The proposal comes after several years in which Russian and Belarusian athletes faced restrictions across international sport.
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In March 2022, World Aquatics, then known as FINA, barred athletes from both countries from upcoming international swimming competitions. The move followed wider sporting sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In 2023, the International Olympic Committee recommended that individual athletes from Russia and Belarus could return to international competition under strict conditions, including neutral status and no active support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Team events remained restricted.
Sanctions lifted ahead of potential bid
World Aquatics changed course on April 13, 2026, when it lifted the remaining sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
The decision allows senior athletes from both countries to compete under their national flags, with their national uniforms and anthems.
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“Senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality will be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events in the same way as their counterparts representing other sport nationalities, with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems,” World Aquatics said.
The policy shift has opened the door for Russia not only to return to competition, but also to seek the right to host a major championship again.
Sources: tass.com
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