Ovechkin calls for Russian return to global sports
The Washington Capitals superstar received a jubilant reception during his first trip home since scoring his 895th goal last April to overtake the previous record held by Canadian legend Wayne Gretzky.
"I hope that in the near future we will be allowed to participate and the guys will be able to take part in Olympiads and world championships to represent their country," he said.
Surrounded by swarms of journalists and ecstatic fans, he walked along a high-end street in Moscow which had been decked out with "Ovechkin 8" hockey jerseys and signs reading "eternal record."
Russians have had little opportunity to celebrate international sporting success over the past three years, having been kicked out of a host of competitions over the Kremlin's war in Ukraine.
But Ovechkin's triumph offered them a rare chance to do so.
Hundreds of fans lined up for an autograph at an outdoor ice rink, which serves as a soccer pitch during warm months.
This rink in a typical Moscow suburb is where the 39-year-old left-winger took the first steps toward his illustrious career.
The rink stands out from the gray high-rise apartment blocks surrounding it, after having been carefully renovated by a sponsor, replete with a massive sign reading "eternal record 895" freshly painted on its surface.
Antonina Mikhailova, an IT manager wearing Ovechkin's jersey, said: "Whatever happens in the world, sport has no borders."
"That would be epic, we must do that!" insisted Fyodor Troshin, an amateur hockey player also waiting for Ovechkin, of the prospect of Russian athletes returning to international sport events.
"People like Alexander Ovechkin are bringing Russian sport closer to (international) leagues," the 40-year-old added.
Despite his prowess on the ice, Ovechkin's politics and Russian connections have stoked some controversy, as he has been a prominent supporter of Vladimir Putin's 25-year rule, even after troops were sent to Ukraine.
In a political balancing act, Ovechkin has not denounced Moscow's Ukraine offensive, but he has also carefully veered away from supporting it — despite knowing such a move would be welcomed by Putin.
"I felt proud of what we achieved," Ovechkin said of breaking Gretzky's mark.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Japan Times
6 hours ago
- Japan Times
England's women maintained belief through bumpy run to Euro glory
England fans marched to St Jakob-Park for Sunday's Women's Euro 2025 final behind a banner that read "Proper England," the team's new motto that had developed over a roller-coaster tournament of wild comebacks. England delivered one more heart-stopping come-from-behind win on Sunday to capture its second consecutive European title, in its third straight major tournament final, with Chloe Kelly firing in the decisive spot-kick to beat world champions Spain 3-1 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw. If it was the unlikeliest of results — England had only led for four minutes over its three knockout games — it also felt almost inevitable after its battling, never-say-die approach during the finals since losing its opening game to France. "We have players that have talent, and the togetherness of this team is really incredible, but also the belief that we can come back," said coach Sarina Wiegman. Asked if they ever doubted victory, defender Niamh Charles said: "No. We had that complete belief that however late it went ... That's something we've referenced so much, that 'Proper English,'" she said. It was the third consecutive Euro trophy for 55-year-old Wiegman, who led her native Netherlands to the 2017 title, and her fifth major tournament final. "She's bloody amazing," Kelly said of the Dutch coach, who is under contract with England through the 2027 World Cup. "She's an incredible woman, what she's done for this country, we should all be so grateful for. "What she's done for me individually, she gave me hope when I probably didn't have any." Kelly's heroics included smashing home her penalty in the shootout win over Sweden in the quarterfinals, and scoring the winner against Italy in the semis. But back in January, the 27-year-old was barely playing at Manchester City, raising questions about whether she would make Wiegman's squad. Kelly made a public plea to leave City for a team that would give her more playing time and it worked — she spent the rest of the season on a successful loan spell at Arsenal, and has since signed a permanent deal. "Thanks to everyone who wrote me off. I'm grateful," said Kelly, who won the Champions League before coming to the Euros. Remarkable stories Kelly's storyline was just one in a team full of remarkable tales. Workhorse Lucy Bronze revealed after the match that she had played in her seventh major tournament — and for the past two months — with a broken tibia. "(Bronze) is an absolute nutter, but she loves her country, she loves playing for her country, putting on that shirt, and Lucy was outstanding this tournament, considering," midfielder Beth Mead said. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, born with an eye condition that affects her depth perception, was thrust into the spotlight after Mary Earps announced her international retirement. A bloodied Hampton played with gauze stuffed up one nostril in the shootout against Sweden. She earned the player of the match award on Sunday after saving two penalties in the shootout. Jess Carter had been left out the Italy semi after being the target of online racist abuse. The center-back said she had been "super scared" to play on Sunday, but was rock solid in defense. Carter, 27, thanked the fans, her family and her teammates for their support, saying without it "I don't know if I'd have ever had the courage to get back on the pitch and play again." A star was born in 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang, who saved England from the brink with late goals against Sweden and Italy. She won the Young Player of the Tournament award. The Lionesses will now enjoy a victory parade on Tuesday that ends in front of Buckingham Palace. Then Wiegman and her staff will quickly shift their focus to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, where England will be desperate to continue its remarkable run by going one better than its defeat in the final by Spain two years ago.
Japan Times
a day ago
- Japan Times
Oscar Piastri uses earlier disappointment as fuel to win Belgian Grand Prix
Oscar Piastri said he turned his personal disappointment into motivation to succeed on Sunday after he produced an impressive drive to earn his sixth victory of the season in the rain-delayed Belgian Grand Prix. The 24-year-old Australian was disappointed with himself on Saturday when he was beaten by title rival and McLaren teammate Lando Norris in qualifying for Sunday's race, but he turned the tables with a masterful passing move on Lap 1 after a rolling start on a damp track. He then hung on and, after pitting to switch from intermediates to slicks, he managed his medium compound tires perfectly to stay ahead of Norris, who was running on a more durable hard tire, in the closing stages to win and extend his lead in the title race to 16 points. "I knew Lap 1 was going to be probably my best chance of winning the race," Piastri said. "I got a good exit out of Turn 1 and then lifted a little as I dipped through Eau Rouge, and it was enough. "The rest of the race we managed really well. I was struggling a bit at the end — so maybe the medium wasn't the best for the last five or six laps, but we had it mostly under control, which is what I wanted. "I was pretty disappointed with myself after yesterday, but it turns out starting second in Spa isn't too bad after all!" He added that he was concerned that the rolling start, after four laps behind the Safety Car, would reduce his chance to grab the initiative, but showed he was sharp and focused by taking advantage of Norris at the first opportunity. "I got a good exit out of Turn 1 and was able to stay close and then, when I was going close, I just knew I was going to lift a little bit less than Lando (Norris) did and try and keep it on the track. "It was a bit lively up over the hill, but I managed to make it stick and then, from there, the tow helped me out." He said he knew that tire strategy was going to be critical and expected Norris' decision to take hard tires — the only driver to do so when all the rest went for mediums. "I had the same plan, if I was going to be second, so I kind of knew that was going to be a likely decision for Lando. For me, medium was the safest tire to be on at that point. "You never know if someone is going to crash and there's a Safety Car and you want a medium for the restart. Also, the medium seemed pretty good in the sprint yesterday so I think it didn't (made) too much difference. "But when you're fighting like that, one-two, you're always going to try and get an advantage in one way or another." Norris admitted he had not done enough to win the race as he slipped 16 points behind Piastri in the championship after 13 of the 24 races. "He had a better start, and he deserved it today," said Norris, who made three mistakes in the difficult conditions. "It's should-a, would-a, could-a ... Oscar deserved it. I'm sure he would have made a couple of mistakes too, and I'll review my own. It's a great result for the team our first 1-2 here in many years." It was McLaren's first Belgian triumph since Jenson Button won from pole in 2012.
Japan Times
a day ago
- Japan Times
Resilient Chloe Kelly takes center stage as England wins Euro 2025
It almost felt like soccer fate when Chloe Kelly stepped up to the penalty spot on Sunday against Spain, with the chance to make history for England in clinching its second consecutive women's European Championship title. The 27-year-old, who had been doubtful to make Sarina Wiegman's team for the Euros only six months ago, did her trademark runup, lifting her left leg and skipping onto her right, before launching a powerful shot into the top corner. "Incredible game of football," Kelly said. "I just came onto the pitch and wanted to make something happen. "Of course, taking the penalty, I actually missed three in training yesterday, (but) it's the belief in this squad, I'm really proud to be English right now and proud to be part of an amazing group of girls." Kelly was the hero in England's 2022 victory at Wembley, scoring in extra time before famously twirling her shirt above her head in celebration. She came to the Lionesses' rescue several times in Switzerland, scoring in the shootout in their quarterfinal victory over Sweden and smashing home her own rebound of a missed penalty against Italy in the semis. "I was cool, I was composed, and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net," she said of her winning kick. "I don't miss penalties twice." Kelly's Switzerland story is remarkable considering back in January there were doubts she would make the squad. She was barely playing for Manchester City and made a public plea to leave the club. She called them "dark days." Kelly's plea worked as she spent the rest of the season on a successful loan spell with Arsenal. "I'm so grateful to be out the back end," Kelly said. "But if that's a story to tell someone that maybe experiences something the same that tough times don't last. "Thank to everyone who wrote me off. I'm grateful." Wiegman wrapped the crying Kelly in a long embrace. "Everybody brings something different, and she brings this," Wiegman said. "She has been fighting to come back and to be at her highest level. She really wanted to take that penalty, of course, and celebrate that." Kelly did not wait long to celebrate. Before starting a television interview, she grabbed the mic to sing along to "Sweet Caroline," which was being belted out by the England crowd at St Jakob-Park. "It is going to be crazy," she said of the reception back home. "I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it." The Lionesses, who lost to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, have talked about legacy in Switzerland. "It's a huge moment. Every girl out there with that dream - you can do it," she said. "Keep shooting for the stars."
