July 12, 2023

Russian Fake Syrians


Russian Fake Syrians
Poster of Arab Sports Games 2023 www.arabgames2023.dz

Journalist Sergey Lisin discovered that five Russian athletes with altered identities are listed as members of the Syrian team at the Arab Games that recently began in Algeria.

In particular, badminton player Darya Dzhedzhula is now listed as Dasha Dhedhula, while her date of birth has been modified from November 19, 1995, to November 19, 1999. Cyclists Tatyana and Darya Malkova are now referred to as Tatia and Darie Malko, respectively. Track and field athlete Karina Poludkina’s name has been shortened to Karina Polud, and swimmer Anastasiya Sorokina is now known as Enas Sorkine.

It is important to note that all these athletes possess Russian citizenship and are officially registered as Russian athletes. Russian authorities claim to have had no knowledge of their involvement in the Arab Games.

Sergey Kovpanets, head coach of the cycling team, expressed astonishment, referring to it as a "venture." He said, "We ourselves are shocked by this information and are currently investigating what transpired." Vladimir Salnikov, President of the Russian Swimming Federation, said that the invitation process was conducted privately, involving individuals lacking necessary authority.

Partially substantiating these claims, the athletes themselves have provided some insights into their participation. They claim to have received commercial offers, with Darya Malkova clarifying that she was invited to Algeria as a sparring partner for local athletes. Allegedly, participation in the actual competition was never discussed.

However, journalists from Sports.ru have uncovered a recruitment advertisement targeting individuals interested in representing the Syrian national team. The recruiter, Ruslan, revealed that athletes were offered the opportunity to undergo training in Syria and subsequently participate in the Arab Games as part of the national team. The Syrian side offered a compensation package, covering transportation and accommodation expenses, and a $5,000 salary for a two-month period. Additionally, a temporary Syrian passport was to be provided. According to Ruslan, the scarcity of available athletes in Syria necessitated this recruitment effort.

"The country is in ruins, with hardly any sports facilities," he said. "Since 2015, they had no time for sports at all."

 

You Might Also Like

Espionage on Ice
  • July 03, 2023

Espionage on Ice

Poland has arrested a Russian hockey player for espionage.
Handshake Havoc
  • May 31, 2023

Handshake Havoc

A Ukrainian tennis player's handshake snub sparks controversy at the 2023 French Open.
From Splash to Hash
  • May 03, 2023

From Splash to Hash

Russian Olympic swimmer arrested in India on drug dealing charges.
Wimbledon Opens Its Doors
  • April 07, 2023

Wimbledon Opens Its Doors

Wimbledon lifted a ban on Russian and Belarusian tennis players in time for its 2023 tournament.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955