French hockey player Pierrick Dubé from the team 'Traktor' discussed the possible participation of the French national team in the hockey tournament of the 2026 Olympics. He expressed joy at the chance to compete on such a high stage, but noted that he does not feel the same joy and expectations as in normal circumstances.
'Of course, we are happy to participate in the Olympics, but maybe we do not have that joy and expectation because of the reason we are there... You know, as an athlete, I want to see the strongest teams at the Olympics. Therefore, the absence of Russia at the World Championships or the Olympic Games is a great loss for the hockey world, in my opinion.
Moreover, Dubé expressed hope for the quick return of the national teams of Russia and Belarus to the international arena, as he considers the absence of these teams harmful to the hockey world. Recently, Russian freestyler Anastasia Tatalina also applied for participation in the 2026 Olympics, emphasizing her support for Russia and even receiving congratulations from the president of the country.