The Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation (UFG) sent an official appeal to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), requiring the abolition of neutral status (AIN), provided by Anastasia Ivanov and Victoria Chumakova – athletes with relief regions of Ukraine. The letter emphasizes that violation of the principles of neutrality is harmful to the reputation of FIX and causes moral injury to Ukrainian society.
17-year-old Chumakov and 11-year-old Ivanova were born in Donetsk, after the occupation of Russia, they began to play for Russian national teams of all ages. In 2024, Chumakova won the Russian Cup in personal communication. Victoria Russian journalists were in a hurry to make a muscovite.
Ivanova is a prize and laureate of many regional Russian gymnastics tournaments.
The gymnastics Federation of Ukraine demanded a more clear and more transparent determination of the criteria for neutral status for each situation in order to avoid such decisions in the future. In addition, the UFG called on FIGA to immediately respond to the trend in the change of citizenship among young Ukrainian gymnasts, who, according to the Ukrainian side, are often found under pressure and in war.
The Ukrainian side emphasized that a complete invasion of Russia has created difficult conditions for athletes, and this vulnerability is used by representatives of other countries to obtain sports advantages. The federation called on FIG to prevent the transformation of war in Ukraine into a tool for manipulation or dishonest competition.
According to OBOZ.UA, in December 2023, the Russian gymnastics team refused to participate in international competitions without national symbols.
Recall that before the start of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Russia refused to participate in games and began to threaten its “neutral” athletes in criminal cases.
On March 23, information appeared that Russian and Ukrainian gymnasts for the first time in two years after the full war in Ukraine were supposed to take part in one tournament. At the stage of the World Sports Gymnastics Championship, which will be held from April 16 to April 19, 2025, seven Russians and six Ukrainians were declared.
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Source: Obozrevatel
Brayden White, a veteran sports writer at Global Happening, brings his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the sports section. With over a decade of experience, he is committed to delivering high-quality coverage of the latest games and events.
