The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine decided to appoint Oleg Polyakov as the head coach of the women's weightlifting team, causing a significant response in the sports environment. Polyakov, who worked in occupied Crimea from 2014 to 2018, where he held the position of president of the Regional Branch of the Russian Weightlifting Federation in Sevastopol, found himself at the center of a political controversy.
According to the honored coach of Ukraine, Anatoly Orlov, this appointment took place under the pressure of the president of the Weightlifting Federation of Ukraine, Oleksandr Gerega, who actively lobbied for Polyakov's candidacy. Orlov noted that the competition commission of the Ministry of Youth Sports recommended other candidates for the position of head coach, in particular the silver medalist of the Olympic Games Igor Razorenov and the Olympic champion Natalia Skakun.
Oleg Polyakov was an active participant in sports activities in Crimea after its annexation by Russia. His work with Russian athletes during that period raises questions among Ukrainian patriots and representatives of the sports community, because supporting his candidacy can be perceived as hostility to the national security and sovereignty of Ukraine. Now, after signing a contract with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Polyakov will work with the national team, which raises suspicions about his loyalty and political orientation.
While Polyakov may have some experience and qualifications as a coach, questions about his reputation and past may influence the perception of this personnel change. Sports circles question the expediency of such appointments, as it can weaken the image of Ukraine on the international arena and cause political controversies.
