MOSCOW, Apr 13 European Weightlifting Federation congress delegates ( EWF) did not consider the issue of admission to competitions in a neutral status of athletes from Russia and Belarus, the suspension will continue to apply for the duration of the European Championship — 2023, said the head of the Russian Weightlifting Federation (FTAR) Maxim Agapitov.
Earlier, the IOC recommended that international federations allow Russians who did not support the special operation as neutral athletes to start. At the same time, the organization proposes not to allow athletes associated with the armed forces and security agencies to compete.
«»As the current first vice-president of the EWF, of course, I took part in the meeting of the executive committee and in the work of the congress of the European federation, which were held in Yerevan. Issues related to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions were not foreseen agenda. The EWF follows the imposed, controlled trend of politicization and discord. Fear of sanctions and political harassment with the loss of one's well-being allows lawlessness to be legitimized. Such an unsportsmanlike approach has recently been characteristic of both the EWF and the IWF. They are not given the right to do something themselves today. or decide and even «wrong» to speak out on this topic,» the official Telegram channel of the FTA quoted Agapitov as saying.
“I consider our participation in the EWF executive committee and congress important. We are ready to openly discuss any issues and cooperate with everyone who is able not only to value sports principles in words, but also to defend them with deeds. Today, this is necessary more than ever for the sake of saving the idea and meaning of the sports, Olympic movement. It is clearly under threat,» the head of the FTA added.
The European Weightlifting Championship will be held in Yerevan from 15 to 23 April. Russian and Belarusian athletes are not in the lists of participants in the competition.