The Russian Ministry of Sport is actively working to combat extortion in children’s and youth sports schools, Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyarev reported during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on June 9th. The announcement was made during a meeting broadcast on the Kremlin’s official website.

A key step in this effort is the implementation of a Ministry of Sport order, effective May 1st, which eliminates entry fees for all competitions involving children under the age of 18. This measure aims to address the issue of financial barriers preventing young athletes from participating in sports.

Degtyarev acknowledged that while some parents may view these payments as normal, others struggle to afford them. The ministry plans to pursue legislative changes, potentially including criminal liability for those who coerce additional payments from families.

President Putin expressed his personal support for the initiative, stating that his own athletic achievements in Sambo and Judo would have been impossible if his family had been required to pay fees at every stage of his training. He emphasized that such financial burdens can prevent talented individuals from pursuing their athletic potential.