Adnkronos (Adnkronos) –
"As long as Russia continues its war against Ukraine, hosting international competitions on its soil is unacceptable," said Matviy Bidny, Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, who announced that he would appeal the decision to both the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the awarding of the 2030 World Weightlifting Championships to Russia.
The award was announced on Sunday during the IWF congress underway in China. Weightlifting thus became the first Olympic sport to be awarded a world championship to Russia.
"We call for this decision to be reconsidered and for a new, transparent selection process to be held to choose the country that will host the championship," said Bidnyi, who emphasized that he will raise the issue during meetings with international partners, particularly at upcoming official events with the sports ministers of the Council of Europe and the European Union.
The minister called on the international sports community to publicly oppose holding the championship in Russia. "This decision is particularly cynical now, with winter approaching and Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and the energy sector intensifying, causing deaths and threatening Europe," Bidnyi said.
The Minister of Youth and Sports noted that, in this context, the international federation proposes that athletes gather in Moscow, where orders for these crimes are given.
For the Kremlin, such a championship would serve as a propaganda tool and political rehabilitation for Vladimir Putin. "This decision sends a dangerous signal that a country can continue a war and simultaneously return to international sporting competitions. It encourages impunity and demonstrates contempt for the principles that global sport should uphold," the official added. In June, weightlifters from Russia and Belarus were allowed to compete in international championships.
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