“Bad and sad”: Ovechkin - on WADA’s decision to remove Russia from the Games and the World Cup

- Washington Capitals, in conjunction with the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA), conducts training for children with developmental disabilities. What attracts you to charity?

- We have been doing this for the sixth year in a row. The organization is doing a great job. She supports those children who need help. We ourselves enjoy when we communicate with them. The most important thing is to see their smiles, to give them joy.

- Do you realize how high the importance of you and your image is for these children?

- Yes, perhaps every child who enjoys hockey or ice skating knows famous players. Being at their age, I myself was madly glad to meet with the stars of hockey. I still remember them. I hope that our events will be remembered for a lifetime, that the guys will remember them with a smile.

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- Some athletes do not help anyone. Why is it so important for you to share what you get from hockey?

- It seems to me that this is necessary. After all, everything that you have is given by God, and not sharing your happiness and emotions with children and with all those in need in general is not good. Need to share good.

- You are loved, you attract people to yourself, like a magnet. Do you feel increased responsibility in this regard?

“Of course, because without their support, I would have had nothing.” People want to know not only how I play hockey, but also what kind of person I am. They can make sure that I am an ordinary guy with whom you can talk, to whom you can tell something. I'm in for this.

- Hockey is a rather expensive sport. How to arouse their interest and passion for your favorite sport?

- Capitals and I hold many charity events and provide children in need with uniforms, skates, and clubs. Of course, not everyone can afford to buy a kit for a thousand dollars. The NHL and I are struggling to help somehow. This is necessary, because many talented guys simply cannot afford it.

- Local fans asked me to find out if you love America?

- Yes. Here is my second home. I have been living in Washington for almost 15 years, I have many friends, good relations with local residents. We made a significant contribution to the development of hockey in the city. It doesn’t matter who you are - Russian, Czech, Swede or anyone else. All people are equal, and everyone should be respected. I like it here.

- Do you face as a foreigner, a native of Russia, the special need to make a favorable impression and behave in the USA as a model American?

- I was born and raised in Russia, subsequently came here, lived for almost 15 years, experienced the best moments. I like it here. I like the city, my team, our organization, the people who surround me. As I said, I have many good friends here with whom I am in touch. Everything is very cool.

- The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has suspended Russia from participating in the Olympic Games and World Championships for four years. Does this situation bother you?

- The situation, of course, is not the best. But it’s not too late to change something. I think something is about to happen. People spent their time, worked hard to get to the Olympics. This is somehow bad and sad. But let's see what happens next. Honestly, it's hard for me to predict something.

- When you beat the Wayne Gretzky record for abandoned goals in the regular season of the National Hockey League (NHL), will you leave hockey on the same day, as promised?

- Yes, you yourself answered your question. But for this I have a long way to go.

- Can you tell yourself that you are the fastest, strongest and generally the best hockey player at the moment?

- No, I'm ordinary.