05.04.2025, Moscow.
All Russian gymnasts who were granted “neutral status” decided to refrain from participating in upcoming competitions under the auspices of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), according to an official statement by the Russian Gymnastics Federation, published on the official website of the organization on April 5.
“The reason for this decision is the numerous unfounded and biased refusals by the special FIG committee to allow our male and female gymnasts to participate in competitions,” the statement reads.
The Russian Gymnastics Federation expressed full solidarity with the position of the athletes representing artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. The organization’s president Oleg Belozyorov recalled the statement made by FIG President Morinari Watanabe on March 10, “Sport should unite and bring friendship, it should not be a tool for increasing hatred.”
However, the decision made by the special FIG committee on March 28 indicates that Watanabe’s position, which calls for respect for the rights of every individual, was not heard, noted Belozyorov.
“The Russian Gymnastics Federation, together with the Russian Olympic Committee and the Russian Ministry of Sport, will continue to support its athletes and defend their interests. We will seek a revision of the rules by which the special FIG committee makes discriminatory decisions,” he emphasized.
Belozyorov added that a new FIG Executive Committee meeting will be held in early May, where this position might be heard.
On March 28, the International Gymnastics Federation granted neutral status to seven representatives of rhythmic gymnastics from Russia. Russia’s gymnasts had not participated in FIG competitions since 2022.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
