MOSCOW, February 26 The Russian Biathlon Union announced in its Telegram channel, that he decided not to participate in the competitions of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) in connection with sanctions against Russian biathletes, the organization will defend the rights of athletes in court. neutral athletes because of the situation in Ukraine. In addition, biathletes from Russia and Belarus will not receive points at the World Cup stages against the Nations Cup, and anthems, flags and uniforms with the symbols of these countries will be prohibited at the competitions. «We are outraged by these illegal actions of the IBU and will defend the rights of our athletes and the rights of the RBU as a member of the IBU. In order not to expose Russian athletes to the risk of humiliation and to exclude a threat to their safety at the remaining stages of the World Cup and the IBU Cup, the RBU has decided not to participate in these competitions. of the International Biathlon Union of February 26, 2022 on the neutral status of Russian athletes in the remaining stages of the World Cup and the IBU Cup as illegal, unreasonable and categorically unacceptable.The RBU did not violate any provisions of the constitution or other rules of the IBU in order to deprive Russian athletes of the right to compete with the national flag and anthem , and they were asked to compete in neutral status. The establishment of the IBU directly violates the fundamental principles of Olympism and the Olympic Charter. This is direct discrimination against our country and Russian athletes, incompatible with belonging to the Olympic movement,» the statement added.
