A conversation with the General Secretary of the Russian Boxing Federation, Umar Kremlev

A conversation with the General Secretary of the Russian Boxing Federation, Umar Kremlev

How is boxing in Russia in the last years?

In recent years, boxing in Russia is going through a crisis. The performance of our sportsmen at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro showed that when our boxers managed to win only one gold medal and three bronze medals. The result seemed to be a real failure for the whole country on the background of great boxers’ achievements of past years. So, the decision to change cardinally the situation was made.
Some changes have begun since the 1st of February 2017: the management structure within the Russian Boxing Federation has completely changed. The Russian Champion Council was created for the first time, it was headed by the two-time Olympic champion Oleg Saitov. Legendary coaches and judges such as Nikolai Khromov were again included in energetic efforts – he became a chairman of the coaching council and Valery Rachkov – he headed the Russian Judicial Panel.
On the eve of the European Championships in Kharkov, we made reforms in the women’s team. After that the coaching council asked me to get under control the men’s team. I made a decision to change the head coach. So, Eduard Kravtsov became a head coach. Of course, no one is waiting for immediate results after suchcardinal changes. It was clear for everyone what the result of the World Championships will be. The previous compositionof the national team took on in Hamburg, and it showed that we need systemic changes. In the coming Russian Championships in Grozny, we will recruit a new team. We are already in fair way to revive the glory of Russian boxing.

What are the plans for the Olympic Cycle 2017-2020?

Fortunately, we have enough of time to prepare for the Olympics-2020. We have a serious achievement that concerns the next World Championships that will be held in Russia, Sochi. Now we are completely changing the approach to the selection of athletes, starting with junior teamsand youth teams. We are opening new boxing centers; we are going to regions, looking for talented children. We are planning to hold match meetings with other countries, joint meets. The task is taking the first team place at the Olympics.

After opening professional boxing by AIBA, how will you improve this field?

Since July 2017 the Olympic and professional boxing have functioned as part of the same organization, the Russian Boxing Federation. We have made the regulations of work in the professional boxing. The aim of our Federation is defending interests of boxers, promoters and managers in the international field.

Technically, how to develop women’s boxing in Russia?

We already have our own plan of the development of women’s boxing. Moreover, our women boxers show good results. Now we are carrying out a thorough analysis: women boxers always perform at international competitions, by the end of the year we will have got a complete picture of the situation of the teams. It is important for us that the girls take part in international competitions. Next year there will be Championships of Europe and the World Championships: we will select about 70% of the national team. In 2019 we will win the tours to the Olympics and will successfully perform at it.

Do you think women’s boxing will match the great sporting achievements of boxers (men) Russians?

I think it’s real. And even more – women are capable of surpassing men. It will become definitively clear after the World Championships. But I am sure that the women national team will perform better than the men’s one.

How are the dealings with the fight against doping? With what measures?

I can set an example of our country. We have put under observation the situation with doping control. So besides standard tests, we run our own tests.

Can you describe your biography?

I was born in Moscow Region, in the city of Serpukhov. I attended boxing courses for 5 years. I graduated from Moscow State Academy of Municipal Economy and Construction.
Until July 2017 I ran promoter company «Patriot».
Since 1st February I am the Secretary General of the Russian Boxing Federation.
I have been an initiator of the national holiday – Russian Boxing Day, now it has been the International Boxing Day.
I have been an initiator and an organizer of achieving the Guinness World Record of the most massive boxing training that was held on the 22nd of July, 2017 in Red Square.
I have some awards that are gratitude and the letter of the President of Russia for active public activity.
I am awarded by the Cross of the International Order “St. George’s Glory”.
I am married. I have two children.

Umar Kremlev, General Secretary of the Russian Boxing Federation