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Russian Gymnastics Federation withdraws AIN athletes from competition

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 An official announcement, via VK.  Google translate.


Official statement of the Russian Gymnastics Federation


All Russian athletes representing artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, who received "neutral status", decided to refrain from participating in the upcoming competitions under the auspices of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).


The reason for this decision is the numerous unfounded and biased refusals of the FIG special committee to allow our gymnasts to compete.


The Russian Gymnastics Federation respects and shares the position of the athletes.


President of the Russian Gymnastics Federation Oleg Belozerov:


"I respect the athletes' decision and understand what it is dictated by. At our meeting on March 10, Mr. Watanabe said that "I would like to use all my strength to once again think about the role of sport in this world. Sport should unite and give friendship, it should not be a tool for increasing hatred. The rights of every person must be respected, and we as a federation must respect and protect them, therefore we support the participation of Russian athletes at the international level in a neutral status." 


Unfortunately, the decisions of the FIG Special Committee that we received on March 28, 2025 demonstrate that Mr. Watanabe's words were not heard. 


The Russian Gymnastics Federation, together with the Russian Olympic Committee and the Russian Ministry of Sport, will continue to support its athletes and protect their interests. To seek a revision of the rules under which the FIG Special Committee makes discriminatory decisions. I hope that our position will be heard at the next FIG Executive Committee, which will meet in early May in Malta."

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