The Netherlands Did Not Issue Visas to Putin's Gymnasts for the World Championships

Russian gymnasts have not yet received permission to enter the Netherlands to compete in the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, which will take place October 17–25 in Rotterdam. The first team quotas for the 2028 Olympic Games are to be awarded at this tournament.

According to Rodionenko, the team is scheduled to depart on the night of October 11–12, and Friday is the last day to obtain visas. She noted that athletes Angelina Melnikova, Kalmykova, and Viktoria Listunova have only submitted their fingerprints, but no one has received their documents yet, and no information has been provided by the embassy.

Melnikova and Listunova, who are known for their open support of Vladimir Putin and the war against Ukraine, were included in the Russian national team’s roster. In particular, Listunova participated in a rally in support of the aggression wearing a “Z” on her clothing, and, together with Melnikova, shared posts on social media calling for fundraising for the family of a Russian occupier killed by Ukrainian defenders. Melnikova also participated in the primaries of Putin’s “United Russia” party and organized training sessions for the children of Russian invaders.

This was reported by “Glavkom,” citing a statement by Valentina Rodionenko, an advisor to the Russian national team.

Lesia Tsurenko has filed a lawsuit against the WTA over the participation of Russians and Belarusians in tournaments — AP

Russian athletes disqualified for doping who won gold medals in the men’s relay at the 2014 Sochi Olympics have publicly refused to comply with the International Biathlon Union’s (IBU) demand to return their medals.