Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov agreed on Tuesday to run for the top job at the Russian Olympic Committee after the previous chief quit following Russia's Olympics flop in Vancouver.
Zhukov, who is overseeing Sochi's preparations to host the Winter Games in 2014, told reporters that the post would be “honorable” to hold.
“I would agree of course,” he said.
Zhukov, whose portfolio also includes the development of sports in the country and other social matters, would retain his ministerial post if he is elected head of the Russian Olympic Committee, Interfax reported, citing a government source.
The new chief of the Olympic committee will be elected on May 20. The winning candidate will needed to have the support of the country's sports federations and members of the International Olympic Committee.
Zhukov is the first candidate who has confirmed his willingness to accept the position.
Media reports have identified Senator Vyacheslav Fetisov, the former NHL hockey star, and billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, who chairs the biathlon federation, as possible candidates.
Former Olympic committee head Leonid Tyagachyov resigned after Russia won only three gold medals in its worst-ever Winter Olympics in February.
Zhukov holds a senior post in United Russia, which is led by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, and he maintains good ties with Putin.