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Nearly 30% of Russians consider hockey a national sport, survey reveals

According to the survey results, six factors were identified that determine whether a sport can be considered national

MOSCOW, December 12. /TASS/. The majority of Russian citizens (79%) believe that the country has a national sport: hockey (27%), figure skating, and football (9% each) are most frequently identified as such by Russians, according to a survey published by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM).

"Eight out of ten citizens believe there is a national sport in Russia (79%), VCIOM's survey indicates. These primarily include winter Olympic sports, with hockey leading the list (27%). Figure skating and football share second place (9% each). Cross-country skiing scored 6%, while gymnastics and sambo garnered 5% each. Less frequently, respondents identified biathlon (3%), wrestling (3%), and the traditional Russian team game lapta (2%) as national sports," the survey results state.

The study highlights differences between men’s and women’s views on national sports. According to the survey, men are more likely to consider hockey (36% against 19% of women) and sambo (8% against 2%) as national sports. Women, on the other hand, tend to favor figure skating (14% against 3% of men), gymnastics (8% against 2%), and biathlon (4% against 2%).

According to the survey results, six factors were identified that determine whether a sport can be considered national: the success and achievements of Russian athletes, geography and climate, historical and cultural aspects, public interest, involvement, and the level of sports development.

"The top three - hockey, figure skating, and football - are worthy of being called national sports for various reasons. Respondents who identified hockey often mentioned the success of the Russian national team (43%), historical significance (historically established/always popular/developed during the USSR - 11%), and climatic features (a winter sport/northern country/snow - 22%). Figure skating earned its title due to the impressive achievements of Russian figure skaters (66%), while football was recognized for its widespread appeal and audience engagement (24%)," the study mentioned.

The nationwide telephone survey "VCIOM-Sputnik" was conducted on December 7, 2024. A total of 1,600 respondents aged 18 and older participated in each survey. The survey was carried out through telephone interviews, with the stratified random sample based on a comprehensive list of mobile phone numbers in use in Russia. The data were weighted for socio-demographic characteristics, and the margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%.

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