The Russian Federation proposed a version of the declaration for the admission of its weightlifters to competitions

The Russian Weightlifting Federation has proposed to the international federation an alternative version of the declaration, which Russian weightlifters will be able to sign for admission to international competitions.

In early August, not a single Russian athlete was admitted to the World Weightlifting Championships. Competitions will be held from 4 to 17 September in Saudi Arabia. “Russian athletes are offered to sign a declaration in exchange for admission to international competitions, which is contrary to the Olympic Charter, the charter of the international federation and violates human rights. This is a bad practice, which Russian weightlifters refuse to indulge in, ”the message says. Telegram channel Russian Weightlifting Federation.

In the version of the declaration proposed by the Russian side, athletes are invited to oppose all forms of violence and injustice, recognize the inviolability of human life, confirm respect for human rights, as well as the desire to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

At the same time, according to representatives of the Russian Weightlifting Federation, there should be no political difference in the declaration. “In addition, no distinction should be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory where the individual lives,” the federation believes.

The International Weightlifting Federation allowed Russians and Belarusians to participate in international tournaments in a neutral status if they sign a declaration of political views. In particular, it contained a clause refusing to support Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. Russian athletes did not sign this declaration. They missed the Grand Prix in Cuba, which took place in Havana from 8 to 18 June.

Anastasia Larina