Slovak junior representatives Artur Ischakov and Šimon Adamov fulfilled the quotas for participation in the Biathlon World Cup.
They did it in their premier event in the men’s category when they took part in Round 1 of the IBU Cup in Idra, Sweden on Thursday.
In the speed race of 7.5 kilometers, Ischakov took 43rd place, Adamov finished 60th. The first-named was better at the shooting range, where he missed only one shot lying down, Adamov missed three targets while standing after a flawless lie down. Ischakov presented himself at the first international race in his career.
“For my first IBU race in my life, the shooting was good, but the loss on the track was still big. I still have a lot of work to do, but I must say that I am happy. It’s a great feeling to finally race and I’m happy to be Slovak. I thank everyone who helped me,” he said for the website slovenskybiatlon.sk.
Originally a Russian citizen, he obtained Slovak citizenship in September of this year. It is expected that at least one of the pair, Ischak and Adamov, will strengthen the national team already in the 2nd round of the WC in Hochfilzen, Austria (December 13-15).
“I would like to live and race in the free world, that’s why I went to Slovakia,” he said of his reasons for the Slovak biathlon. In 2023, he finished second at the SNP’s White Trail, while competing under the anti-war flag of Rusi vri warne.
I will gladly represent my new homeland at biathlon events. I believe that the fans will cheer not only for me, but also for the whole new generation of Slovak biathletes, who have a vision towards the 2030 Olympics.
I hope that all the other people will accept me and cheer me on. I will do everything in my power to win and fight for Slovakia.
My goal is to get to the World Cup first, while not only participating in it, but I also want to score points and compete with the world’s best biathletes,” Ischakov added.
The born Tatar is the second in line after Anastasia Kuzminová to exchange the Russian flag for the Slovak one and will represent the country under the Tatras in biathlon.
Forty-year-old Kuzminová is a three-time Olympic champion and won three silver medals under the five rings.
Source: sportweb.pravda.sk
