Russian politicians commented on the change of national team in harsh words.
2006 Olympic champion Svetlana Zhurova fired harsh comments at Romanov. AOP
Russian chess grandmaster Jevgeni Romanov, 33, will henceforth represent Norway. NRK says this.
Romanov announced his desire to change national team on the same day Russia attacked Ukraine. The Norwegian Chess Federation approved the application.
Romanov will not change his nationality, but will represent Norway in the future.
In Russia, politicians have reacted violently to the chess master’s decision. Olympic speed skating winner and member of the Duma Svetlana Zhurova caused a stir with his comments.
– It’s about double standards. Is Romanov no longer considered a Russian? Maybe he’s not Russian at all because he has Jewish roots. After all, Russian athletes should not be accepted into other countries now because they are Russian.
– Abroad, Russians are treated rudely, but everything went well for him. Change citizenship, this is fraud. You are not loved, Zhurova tells Russian Chess News, according to NRK.
If the tweet is not visible, you can look its here.
Multiple World Chess Champion and Duma Member Anatoly Karpov was also harsh.
– If Romanov wants to move to Norway, no one will stop. He made his choice. I wouldn’t do the same. The center of chess moved to Russia some time ago. He may have a hard time moving from Russia to Norway. I don’t think he’s being charged, but he’s remembered.
1930s rhetoric
Anatoly Karpov condemned Romanov’s decision. AOP
Norwegian chess expert Atle Grönn was shocked, in particular, by comments referring to Zhurov’s Jews.
– Crazy statement. They (the Russians) talk about removing the Nazis from Ukraine, but themselves throw such rhetoric. The action is very revealing.
– He uses 1930s rhetoric. It’s shocking. It is uncivilized, primitive and absurd.
Grönn finds Zhurova’s statements embarrassing for skating and all Russian sports. Karpov is also not allowed to get clean papers.
– He has ruined his reputation in chess because of this and his support for Putin.
Romanov has lived in Norway and Turkey for many years. He has been a member of the Norwegian Chess Federation and clubs since 2011.
According to the Norwegian Chess Federation, Romanov has been considering changing the national team for longer. The war of aggression launched by Russia accelerated the decision.