Wrestlers from the RF and RB can once again compete in international competitions under their own symbols - CCD
Kyiv • UNN
UWW has allowed wrestlers from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own flags. The CCD called this decision a tool for legitimizing Russian aggression.
The United World Wrestling (UWW) has fully lifted sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Athletes from these countries are once again allowed to compete under their own flags and anthems. This is reported by UNN with reference to the Center for Countering Disinformation of the NSDC of Ukraine.
Details
As noted by the CCD, this decision is part of a broader wave of retreating from sanctions, as judo, sambo, and aquatic sports have already fully lifted restrictions on Russians and Belarusians.
Several federations, including volleyball and fencing, have so far eased sanctions only at the junior level. In contrast, World Athletics and the International Tennis Federation still maintain their position and refuse to follow the IOC recommendations
The CCD also reminded that the thesis "sport is beyond politics" is a myth that the Kremlin has used for years as a screen for its soft power.
At international competitions, athletes primarily represent their state and its ideology. The Russian Federation systematically uses its return to the international sports arena as a tool to legitimize aggression and undermine sanction pressure
As a reminder
World Athletics refused to comply with the International Olympic Committee's recommendation regarding the return of Belarusian athletes to international competitions under their national flag.