Degtyarev proposes prize payments and indexation for all Spartakiad medallists

Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev proposed paying and indexing prize money for all medallists at the Spartakiad of the Peoples of Russia, regardless of whether they can compete internationally. He put the proposal to President Vladimir Putin at a Kremlin meeting.

Degtyarev said Spartakiad prize money had initially not been paid and was later restricted to athletes barred from international competitions. Some athletes still face restrictions, while most can now compete abroad, he said.

The minister said funds were available and work on the proposal had begun in the government, asking for the president’s approval. Separately, he reported that presidential scholarships had already been increased.

The Spartakiad programme covered 44 sports. Its closing ceremony took place on October 18.