Russian proposal to use "Katyusha" in place of national anthem turned down by CAS

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected Russia’s request to use the folk song "Katyusha" as a replacement for its national anthem at the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, insidethegames reports.

The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) Athletes Commission suggested the song be used instead of the national anthem in January.

The CAS confirmed to insidethegames that a request was made to clarify part of the award, which read that "the Russian national anthem (or any anthem linked to Russia) shall not be officially played or sung at any official event venue or other area controlled by the signatory or its appointed event organiser (including, without limitation, at Medal Ceremonies and Opening/Closing Ceremonies)."

"The CAS panel considers that ‘any anthem linked to Russia’ extends to any song associated with, or with links to, Russia, which would include Katyusha," CAS said in a statement to insidethegames.