Husain Al-Musallam became the President of the International Swimming Federation on June 5, having replaced Julio Maglione in this office. The visit to Tatarstan is the first international trip for Al-Musallam in his new position.
Rustam Minnikhanov noted that Tatarstan and FINA have long-standing friendly relationships. “We sincerely would like to express our gratitude to the leadership of the Federation for the systemic deep integration of our Republic into the authoritative FINA Family. On the threshold of major international tournaments to be held in Kazan, I want to note that our task is to meet all your expectations, as we tried to organise all the events that were held together with FINA at the highest standard,” said the President of the Republic of Tatarstan.
Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Julio Maglione for his attention to cooperation issues and support of the Republic. “We do hope that the good traditions established by our friend Julio Maglione will only grow stronger. Dr. Maglione is a very close person for our Republic and for me personally. Tatarstan will always be your home, and you will be our senior friend,” he assured.
Oleg Matytsin, Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation, joined the conversation via video call. He greeted the FINA leadership, noted the organisation’s great contribution to the development of sports in Russia and the promotion of swimming.
The Minister emphasized that today Tatarstan has accumulated a lot of experience in organising major international tournaments. “Mr. Al-Musallam, it is very important that your first international trip in a new status was to Kazan. On behalf of the entire sports family in Russia, I wish you good luck in your new office,” added Oleg Matytsin.
Husain Al-Musallam, in turn, announced FINA’s intention to continue cooperation with Tatarstan. “You are our partner. The Republic is doing everything to develop sports. We love the way you organised the FINA World Championships2015. After this tournament, you have a great legacy: sports facilities that are in demand among the population today and hosting numerous competitions. Moreover, today we visited the Volga State University of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, where we had successful negotiations and planned a big number of projects. In general, I intend to continue what Dr. Maglione started. We work as a single team, and I will continue his strategy here,” the FINA President emphasized.
During his speech, Julio Maglione noted that Kazan is the Sports Capital of Russia. “Having arrived in Kazan for the first time, I could not have thought that the best Championships in the history of FINA would take place here. However, by the beginning of the tournament, an excellent infrastructure appeared in the city, which continues to function today. We feel that this is our home, our friends are here,” the FINA Honorary President pointed out.
A number of major FINA sporting events are scheduled in the Republic of Tatarstan in the coming years. These include the FINA World Championships (25 m) 2022 and the FINA World Championships 2025.
From a source of the Press Office of the CIS Executive Committee