An embargo on importing sporting goods has been in place since the Russian invasion of Ukraine almost a year ago.

"One of the most expensive types of equipment we have is an ice preparation machine," FKR President Dmitry Svishchev said.

"Before, we used equipment from Canada, it was always a difficult story for us.

"They cost tens of thousands of dollars and in today’s conditions there are difficulties with their acquisition.

"Our colleagues from the Krasnodar territory have developed a new ice machine, it passed two days of testing at the Iceberg Arena and is in no way inferior to foreign equipment, this machine consists of almost 100 per cent Russian parts and is twice as cheap as its Canadian counterpart.

"It is in some respects superior to the Canadian model.

"We can say that import substitution in Russia is going well."

The first Russian produced curling stones are almost ready for using granite from Transbaikalia in the far east of the country.

"Experts have some minor comments but in general, this inventory is almost in no way inferior to foreign counterparts," Svishchev claimed.

Other equipment including the special curling shoes is being made in St Petersburg.

These have been tested by 2022 Olympic skip Alina Kovalyova and triple European gold medallist Kira Ezekh.

Three-time Olympian Ekaterina Galkina, who won European gold in 2006 and 2012 and is now FKR vice-president is convinced that the Russian equipment will also find a market for export.

"Curling equipment is expensive, so the more we can produce ourselves, the better," she said.

"In the future, I do not rule out that our products in this area will be in demand not only in Russia, but also abroad."