MOSCOW, Mar 4 The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) suspended Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in competitions under the auspices of the organization, according to the official website of the organization. Earlier, against the backdrop of events in Ukraine, the executive committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that sports federations not allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete. «The IWF Executive Board met to discuss the current situation and has decided to suspend the participation of all athletes, team officials and technical representatives from Russia and Belarus in any international or continental weightlifting competition until further notice.In addition, and until further notice, no IWF sanctioned events will be held in these countries» , the statement said. It is noted that the IWF will continue to closely monitor the time twist of the situation. The above exceptional measures may be adapted or lifted when and if warranted by the situation. The Executive Board also approved financial support measures for Ukrainian athletes preparing for the Youth, Youth and World Championships.
