Penza, 10 August 2015. PenzaNews. Ivan Belozertsev, acting governor of the Penza region, severely reprimanded Artur Panteleyev, acting chairman of the regional sports committee, due to insufficiently high results shown by representatives of the region at the World Championships in Aquatics in Kazan.

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During the operational meeting in the government on Monday morning, August 10, the head of the region asked Artur Panteleyev to report on the causes of failure, as he put it.

“The program was performed only by Anastasia Fesikova. [...] I cannot say that the performance was disastrous. [...] The level is what it is. Too bad ... I cannot evaluate the swimming head coach. Yesterday [Sports Minister of the Russian Federation] Vitaly Mutko met before the finals, there was an uneasy conversation, because the performance of our girls was simply “wrapped up” and they were not allowed to perform in two relay events,” the head of the regional sports committee explained.

“Arthur Fyodorovich, what are you talking about?! What are the causes in our regional sports committee explaining the failure to train our athletes for the World Championship?” Ivan Belozertsev protested.

In turn Artur Panteleyev tried to argue that the level of the Australians, the Americans and the Chinese is very high, and it is not easy to compete with them.

According to him, part of the problems is to be discussed at the federal level.

In response, Ivan Belozertsev issued Artur Panteleyev a severe reprimand. In addition, he demanded a thorough analysis of the situation.

“It is important to meet with the coaching staff. Maybe change the methodology. [...] Gather coaches, invite specialists. If necessary — invite them from Moscow. They must be of the highest level,” the head of the region stressed, instructing Artur Panteleyev to introduce the concept of further development of aquatics in the Penza region as soon as possible.