Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said Russian athletes want to compete for their country but declined to comment on a recent Court of Arbitration for Sport decision regarding Russia's participation in international competitions.
Speaking to reporters, Ovechkin emphasized the desire of Russian players to represent their nation on the global stage. He avoided weighing in on the CAS ruling, which could affect Russia's eligibility in upcoming tournaments.
The Associated Press reported on November 10, 2026, that Ovechkin's remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the status of Russian athletes in international sports.
