When on the evening of February 28, the note released by the International Taekwondo Federation – which still triumphs today at the opening of its official website – the immediate perception was that it was an obvious consequence of what was previously asserted by the Judo Federation. To reread it today, the contents are even more clear-cut than it seemed. TO Vladimir Putin the black belt is therefore removed, awarded in November 2013 in clear contrast and disappointment with what is happening in Ukraine.
Taekwondo: black belt withdrawn from Putin for war in Ukraine
The text of the press release issued by the highest body of this noble discipline does not allow for interpretation:
“World Taekwondo strongly condemns the brutal attacks on innocent lives in Ukraine, which go against the world Taekwondo vision of” Peace is more precious than triumph “and the values of respect and tolerance. In this regard, World Taekwondo has decided to withdraw the honorary black belt of 9th dan awarded to Vladimir Putin in November 2013 ″, it reads.
“In solidarity with the International Olympic Committee, no Russian or Belarusian flag or national anthem will be displayed or played at world Taekwondo events. The World Taekwondo and the European Taekwondo Union will not organize or recognize Taekwondo events in Russia and Belarus. The thoughts of World Taekwondo are addressed to the Ukrainian people and we hope for a peaceful and immediate end to this war ”, the second and last part of the note.
A decision in line with what was argued, a few hours earlier, by the Judo federation which previously had openly sided against Putin and the Russian offensive in Ukraine, suspending his status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Federation. And which establishes, even more clearly, how much sports institutions want to reaffirm their detachment from Russian policies and which is reflected in individual and specific initiatives.
Volleyball: no to the men’s World Cup in Russia
The International Volleyball Federation has in fact made official this morning that Russia will not be the venue for the men’s World Cup, initially scheduled from 26 August to 11 September next. The decision was made by the Board of Fivb in accordance with the Local Organizing Committee and the Russian Volleyball Federation because “naturally the conditions for organizing the tournament no longer exist”.
The Fivb he then announced that he is working to find a host country “that can guarantee the smooth running of the event in an atmosphere of peace and joy”.
Fencing: Italy does not shoot against Russia
The Italian national teams committed to the European Youth and Cadet Championships in Novi Sad 2022where three Under 20 team matches are scheduled, will not shoot against Russia in clear protest at what is happening on Ukrainian soil. The decision made by the Italian Fencing Federationand shared with the Conesstems from the firm will to launch a strong message of condemnation of what is happening in Ukraine.
“Given the silence of the FIE in accepting the indication of the International Olympic Committee, about the exclusion of Russia from competitions, Italy has decided that it will not present our teams on the platform in matches with the Russian national team”, said the president. of the Italian Fencing Federation, Paolo Azzi. In the continental youth festival in Serbia, the Under 20 team tests of women’s epee, women’s foil and men’s saber are on stage today.
It is also a coincidence what is happening, very soon after the start of the World Championship, in F1: Russian drivers, teams and sponsorships are closely linked to what is happening.
Tennis, Svitolina’s complaint: Russia and Belarus out
As a sign of denunciation, the Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina had announced that in Monterrey where she was drawn against the Russian Anastasia Potapova, she would not play in her first match. She was number 15 in the world ranking and first seeded in the Mexican tournament, she had communicated on Twitter that “she will not play any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players until our organizations take the necessary measures. I want to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarusians who have boldly declared their anti-war stance. Their support is essential ”.
The 27-year-old from Odessa, who married the French tennis player last summer Gael Monfilshad thus exerted undoubted pressure on the governing bodies of men’s tennis (ATP), feminine (WTA) and international (ITF):
“I believe that the current situation requires a clear position from our organizations. We Ukrainian players have asked the ATP, WTA and ITF to follow the recommendations of the IOC and to admit Russian or Belarusian athletes as neutral athletes, without national symbols, colors, anthems or flags ”, concluded Svitolina. For the record, the Ukrainian champion played and won with colors of Ukrainereiterating that: “my nation is playing the game”.
After this appeal, the decision came dell’Itf: Russia and Belarus suspended from team competitions, but athletes from both countries will be able to continue playing individually. In addition to the cancellation of all ITF events in the two countries.
L’Itf “Remains in close contact with the Ukrainian Tennis Federation and stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people”. In essence, the decision closes the doors to Russia and Belarus with regard to competitions such as Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, but individual tennis players including the new number one, the Russian Daniil Medvedev who published a heartfelt appeal on social networks for peace, will be able to continue to play the ATP and WTA tour tournaments.
World Athletics’ tough stance on Russia
Also there World Athletics, the world athletics federation, aligned and decided to exclude all athletes and support personnel from Russia and Belarus from all World Athletics Series events with immediate effect, following the Russian military invasion of Ukraine. All enshrined in a press release, published on 1 March, on the official website of the World Athletics.
Here, however, a footnote must be made: as you will remember, the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF) has already been suspended by World Athletics in November 2015 due to anti-doping code violations and therefore cannot host international events. The Authorized Neutral Athlete Process (Ana) remains in effect, but Russian athletes who have received the status for 2022 are excluded from the events.
The note explains that the Russians are out of: world athletics championships ad Eugenethe indoor world championships of Belgrade (March 18-20) and the World Walking Team Championships on March 4 a Muscat (Oman).
Ukraine, the action of rugby: Russia and Belarus suspended
“Total and immediate suspension of Russia and Belarus from all cross-border activities of national teams and rugby clubs until further notice. Total and immediate suspension of the Rugby Union of Russia from membership in World rugby until further notice “. This is the text released by World rugby which joined the condemnation of the actions taken by Russia against Ukraine.
Adidas leaves the Russian Football Association
Sponsors are also doing their part and not only in F1, where the issue is delicate and not exactly peaceful: Adidas has decided to suspend the sponsorship of the Russian Football Association; this was announced by the spokesman of the multinational, following the decision of Fifa and Uefa to oust the Russia and Russian clubs from all competitions.
The circle that is tightening more and more and that is isolating, even more Putin and – above all – Russian athletes.
VIRGILIO SPORT
