A Latvian coach’s Stance: Basketball and the War in Ukraine
When Russia invaded Ukraine, Ainars Bagatskis, a Latvian basketball coach, was in Spain with the Ukrainian national team for the 2023 World Cup qualifiers. While some team members stayed in Europe, most relocated to latvia.
bagatskis is outspoken about the Russian public’s response to the invasion. He believes silence is complicity. “You can’t simply remain indifferent,” he asserts. “Everyone claims to condemn the war, but few directly blame Putin or the Kremlin for instigating it.”
He recounts conversations with Russian acquaintances, some expressing remorse, others pleading for understanding, and still others questioning Latvia’s response. “They ask why we, Latvians, are distancing ourselves,” Bagatskis shares, “while their country is bombing cities and causing casualties.”
Recently, Bagatskis received a job offer from a Russian club, which he humorously rejected. “They offered me a position,” he recounts, “and I jokingly replied, ‘Give me a machine gun and I’ll run past the Kremlin.'”
He emphasizes that Russia is off-limits for him provided that the current regime remains in power. “Sports and politics are inextricably linked in Russia,” he explains, contrasting this with the common belief that they are separate entities.
bagatskis, who previously coached two Russian teams, “Nizhny Novgorod” and “Yenisei” in Krasnoyarsk, highlights the heavy reliance of Russian sports on government funding. “Professional sports in Russia are entirely dependent on public money,” he states. “Has any private company invested in Russian sports? The success of Russian sports stems from financial backing, not remarkable coaching.”
In a gesture of solidarity,Latvia has welcomed over 200 young Ukrainian basketball players,providing them with accommodation,sustenance,and training opportunities. Bagatskis describes this initiative as a “basketball camp,” acknowledging the importance of providing these displaced athletes with a sense of normalcy and purpose.
He also commends a Ukrainian national team coach who returned to his homeland to join the defense efforts. Another coach, while initially prepared to fight, ultimately chose to remain in Latvia to support the young Ukrainian athletes. “This is a notable contribution,” Bagatskis emphasizes, “offering emotional support and guidance in their native language. While defending one’s homeland is crucial, everyone must contribute in their own way.”
Silence is Complicity: A Conversation wiht Coach Ainars Bagatskis on Basketball and the War in Ukraine
We’ve all been watching the horrific war unfold in Ukraine,and its ripple effects are being felt across the globe,even in the world of sports. Today,we’re joined by Ainars Bagatskis,a Latvian basketball coach who was working with the Ukrainian national team when the Russian invasion began. coach Bagatskis, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.
Bagatskis: The pleasure is mine. It’s important to keep this conversation going, to not let the world forget what’s happening.
Moderator: You were in Spain with the Ukrainian team when the war began.Can you tell us about the immediate impact it had on the team and its players?
Bagatskis: It was chaos. Suddenly, everything was uncertain. Some players stayed in Europe, while most, understandably, wanted to be closer to home. Latvia opened its doors to many of them, which has been a wonderful show of support.
Moderator: You’ve been outspoken about the silence from many Russians regarding the war.You believe that silence is complicity. How has this stance been received by your Russian acquaintances?
Bagatskis: It’s a mixed bag. Some express remorse, others try to explain the situation away, and some even question Latvia’s stance. They ask why we are distancing ourselves while their country is bombing cities and causing innocent people to suffer. It’s incredibly frustrating.
Moderator: You recently received a job offer from a Russian club, which you jokingly rejected. Can you elaborate on why coaching in Russia is off-limits for you as long as the current regime remains in power?
Bagatskis: Sports and politics are inextricably linked in Russia. It’s not just about the game; it’s about showing allegiance to the state. I’ve coached in Russia before, I know how it works.
Moderator: You’ve mentioned that professional sports in Russia are heavily reliant on government funding. Do you think this system prevents genuine athletic development and excellence?
Bagatskis: Certainly, it creates an environment were success is primarily dictated by financial backing rather than coaching prowess or grassroots development. True sportsmanship suffers in such an environment.
Moderator: Latvia has welcomed over 200 young Ukrainian basketball players, providing them with training and support. Can you speak to the importance of this initiative?
Bagatskis: This “basketball camp,” as we call it,is about more than just the sport. It’s about providing these young athletes with a sense of normalcy, purpose, and community during a time of immense upheaval. It’s a way for them to cope and heal.
Moderator: We hear stories of Ukrainian athletes joining the fight for their nation, while others choose to continue their athletic pursuits abroad. What are your thoughts on these competing impulses?
Bagatskis: It’s a deeply personal decision. Some feel they must defend their homeland,while others believe their skills can contribute to the fight in other ways,like inspiring hope and unity through sport. Both are incredibly valuable contributions.
Moderator:
Coach Bagatskis, thank you for sharing your insights. This conversation has undoubtedly shed light on the complex intersection of sports and geopolitics.
Bagatskis: Again, the pleasure was mine. It’s crucial that we continue to discuss these issues and work towards a future where sport truly unites us, not divides us.
What are your thoughts on Coach Bagatskis’s stance? Can sports truly remain seperate from politics? Share your opinions in the comments below.*
