Russian gymnasts still waiting for visas for world championships
Russian gymnasts are facing visa delays for the upcoming world championships in the Netherlands, complicating their return to major international competition. While the IOC has lifted the suspension on Russian teams, the athletes must compete as neutral participants without national symbols.
Why it matters
The participation of Russian athletes in international sports remains a contentious geopolitical issue following the invasion of Ukraine.
Hear this story Less than a week before the world gymnastics championships begin, Russia is still waiting for its visas needed to enter the Netherlands.
The Russians were supposed to leave for Rotterdam, the Netherlands, this weekend. But they pushed their departure back because they have not received visas from the Dutch government. The world championships begin Saturday, Oct. 17 with men's qualifying.
"The dates have shifted slightly," reigning world all-around champion Angelina Melnikova said Saturday, Oct. 10, on her Telegram channel. "However, there is still plenty of time before the start, and we continue to train."
Russia faced a similar situation ahead of the European championships in Zagreb, Croatia in August. Nine members of the 65-person delegation, including Melnikova and fellow Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Viktoria Listunova, were initially denied visas. Most eventually received them, though Listunova did not.
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