Kazan (dpa) – The world judo association IJF will not exclude any Russian athletes despite the Ukraine war. The global decision to sanction all Russian athletes is not considered justified, the IJF said.
Expulsion would continue the escalation of violence. Russian athletes can therefore compete under the flag and anthem of the world association. Athletes participating in international competitions promote “peace and international solidarity,” it said. In its statement, the IJF wrote only of a “conflict between Russia and Ukraine.”
Because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee had recommended that all international federations ban athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus from competitions.
The Grand Slam planned for May in Kazan, Russia, was recently canceled. The IJF has now announced that all competitions in Russia have been cancelled.
In judo, the influence of Russia is enormous. World Association President Marius Vizer is considered a friend of Putin. In addition, the two most important associations (IJF and EJU) are supported by numerous Russian companies. The EJU, for example, recently presented three new sponsors from Russia. The IJF recently suspended Russian President Vladimir Putin as honorary president and ambassador for the sport.
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