Ukrainian Judo Federation Pulls Out as Russian Armed Forces Compete in Doha
Russian Fighters to Fight on, but Under ‘Neutral’ Flag
The Ukrainian Judo Federation has slammed the International Judo Federation’s (IJF) decision to let Russian and Belarusian judokas compete at the championships in Doha – even as ‘neutral athletes’. The twist? Most of the Russian team members are active servicemen in the Russian Armed Forces. These forces launched a brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and continue their rampage across Ukrainian soil.
Ukraine Calls Out IJF for ‘Empty Neutrality’
Ukraine’s federation says the IJF ruling misses the mark completely. It doesn’t create a level playing field, doesn’t promote true neutrality, nor does it act as a peace bridge as the IJF tried to claim. They also pointed out the move violates the International Olympic Committee’s latest advice, which clearly states that neutral status is only for athletes who are not military personnel.
Ongoing War Forces Sporting Fallout
The conflict, which ignited back in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea, escalated into full-scale war last year. Over 13,000 lives lost, more than 1.5 million displaced, and now sport is tangled in the conflict too.
Ukrainian star judoka Daria Bilodid did not mince words, calling IJF’s decision “unacceptable”. The 2019 world champ and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist said it’s outrageous to let military personnel from a “terrorist country” who continue to kill Ukrainians participate in global competitions.
International Bodies Walk Tightrope
The International Olympic Committee has recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete only as individual neutrals. However, it remains undecided whether Russians will be allowed at the upcoming Olympics. Meanwhile, sanctions continue to hit athletes from both nations hard amid the ongoing war.
