Athletes from Russia and Belarus remain banned from all World Aquatics events in response to the war in Ukraine, but Salnikov told Russian official state news agency TASS that the opportunity of taking part in competitions in Asia was "opening up".

World Aquatics is among a number of International Federations that have adhered to International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommendations to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from events.

But Randhir Singh, Acting President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), argued that the need for "protective measures" in place for athletes no longer existed in the Asian continent when speaking at the Olympic Summit held earlier this month.

The OCA has offered to facilitate the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in competitions in Asia under its authority, while respecting the sanctions in place.

According to the IOC, Association of National Olympic Committees President Robin Mitchell welcomed the initiative as a "major step to re-establish the unity" of all 206 National Olympic Committees.

Speaking to TASS, Salnikov underlined the difficulties of becoming a member of the AASF but said the organisation was in talks over potentially competing in the continental body's events.

"First of all, we are not talking about the transition as such, but about the possibility of playing on the Asian continent in championships, championships, cups and so on - competitions held by the Asian Swimming Federation," Salnikov, a member of the World Aquatics Bureau, said.

"The transition - changing membership and acquiring a new one - is a rather complicated process.

"Therefore, now we are discussing the possibility of performing there under the auspices of the Asian Swimming Federation.

"And such an opportunity is opening up.

"I think the decision will not come today.

"But the Olympic Summit and the statements of some politicians are leading to the fact that there will be no grounds for a suspension."

Salnikov is a four-time Olympic champion, winning three gold medals at Moscow 1980 and one more at Seoul 1988, and set 12 world records in his career.

Chrestyna Kmetj, who was speaking on behalf of the Ukrainian Swimming Federation, called on the recent World Aquatics Extraordinary General Congress to exclude athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus from events until the end of the war in Ukraine.

World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam said a decision over Russian and Belarusian participation would be made by the "whole Olympic family" but not "at this moment".

Salnikov said he did not expect sanctions to be lifted but felt an opportunity to allow athletes to qualify for the Olympic Games could be created.

"We are waiting for the speech of the head of the IOC, Thomas Bach, and his recommendations to International Federations," added Salnikov.

"His presentation will help ensure that the recommendations, as in all previous cases, will have a message that will be implemented."