European Gymnastics Federation Lifts All Restrictions on Belarusian and Russian Athletes
The Executive Committee of European Gymnastics has decided to fully lift restrictions on the participation of athletes from Belarus and Russia in competitions. This decision followed a similar move by the sport's global governing body. The new order is expected to be officially ratified soon.
Hanna Kamenshchykava. Photo: gimnastika.pro
As reported in the organization's official communiqué, an extraordinary online meeting of the European Gymnastics Executive Committee took place on May 21. After the mandatory 48 hours for electronic voting, it was decided to follow the position of the International Gymnastics Federation (World Gymnastics) and lift all restrictions previously applied to athletes from the two countries. The special rules that formerly governed their participation immediately lost their effect. It is expected that this decision will soon be finally approved at an extraordinary online General Assembly.
The European body's decision is based on a resolution by the International Gymnastics Federation, adopted on May 17 at the Executive Committee in Sharm El Sheikh. At that time, the global organization allowed Belarusians and Russians to compete in tournaments with national flags and anthems. These changes apply to artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, acrobatics, and aerobics. It should be recalled that after being fully banned from competitions in 2022, from 2024 onwards, representatives of Belarus and Russia could participate in World Gymnastics tournaments only under a neutral status.
Representatives of sports acrobatics will be the first to take advantage of the opportunity to compete without restrictions at the upcoming World Cup stages. Competitions will be held in Bulgaria and Azerbaijan from May 29 to 31, June 5 to 7, and June 19 to 21. Gymnastics organizations continue a general trend in international sports. Previously, the International Modern Pentathlon Union, the World Boxing Organization, the International Volleyball Federation, United World Wrestling, the International Equestrian Federation, and the World Archery Federation had already announced the full reinstatement of rights for athletes from Belarus.
Comments