Russia stops athletes from competing in International Judo competitions

Russia has decided to withdraw its athletes from competing in international judo competitions citing safety reasons.

"Under the current conditions, the national team's access to most countries where international competitions are held is significantly difficult. In addition, the Russian Judo Federation has reason to fear for the safety of Russian athletes. In addition, the Russian Judo Federation has reason to fear for the safety of Russian athletes,” The Russian Judo Federation noted.

Earlier, the International Judo Federation (IJF) had canceled its events in Russia but had not banned the Russian athletes. The federation had kept the doors open for the Russian athletes to compete under a neutral flag.

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Interestingly, the Belarusian Judo Federation (BJF) has also withdrawn its athletes from the IJF competitions. IJF has also responded to the news and in a statement, acknowledged the withdrawal of the athletes.

"Following official communications received by the International Judo Federation, the Russian Judo Federation and the Belarusian Judo Federation have suspended their participation from all IJF and EJU [European Judo Union] international events. There will be no Russian or Belarusian athletes participating in IJF and EJU events, with immediate effect,” the Federation noted.

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