Pavlo Kolobkov

politician

Pavlo Kolobkov is a former Russian politician and sports official who served as the Minister of Sports of Russia from 2016 to 2020. He is notable for being the first non-retired athlete in Russian history to receive the rank of colonel in 2004. Kolobkov has also held the title of State Counselor of the Russian Federation of the 3rd class and later the 2nd class, indicating his significant role in the government. His involvement in sports governance has drawn both national and international attention, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding Russian sports and its organizations. Kolobkov's recent nomination as a vice-president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has been met with criticism from the Ukrainian Chess Federation due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions.