Russia cannot compete until Ukraine war over: world gymnastics head
Source: – Kyodo News+
The International Gymnastics Federation’s president informed Russian gymnasts and coaches Monday in a Moscow suburb that they will not be permitted to represent their nation at international competitions while the invasion of Ukraine continues.
FIG President Morinari Watanabe, who is running for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee, visited Russia for the first time since the invasion began in February 2022. He also traveled to Ukraine earlier this month.
Morinari Watanabe, president of the International Gymnastics Federation, speaks to Kyodo News in Moscow on March 10, 2025. (Editorial use only)(Kyodo)
Watanabe said Monday that Ukrainian gymnasts continue to express opposition to competing on the same platform as Russians.
However, he believes sportspeople who do not support or are not involved in the war should be able to compete as neutral athletes.
“In Ukraine, there are athletes who have lost their relatives in the war,” Watanabe said. “It’s very hard, but I should remain neutral as the FIG’s president. I have to protect the rights of Russian athletes, too.”
The election to choose the successor to IOC President Thomas Bach is scheduled for March 20 in Greece. Watanabe is the first-ever Japanese candidate for the role
Watanabe has proposed various reforms, including staging the Summer Olympics on five continents simultaneously to share the excitement worldwide and reduce the economic burden on host cities.
The 66-year-old has also proposed changing the IOC’s name to the World Sports Organization and expanding its activities beyond overseeing the Olympic Games.
“The Olympics will eventually collapse if the IOC stays as it is. That’s why I’m speaking out,” Watanabe said.
He intends to visit places such as Israel and the Palestinian territories in the future with the aim of having sports contribute to peace.
Related coverage:
IOC head candidate Watanabe eyes more social contribution from sports
IOC presidential candidate Watanabe seeks to make Olympics “loved”
The original article: belongs to – Kyodo News+ .
