Ukraine will not participate in the World Judo Championships in Budapest next month, after Belarus was allowed to participate under its national flag.
According to foreign media, despite an appeal filed by Kiev, the Executive Committee of the International Judo Federation (IJF) has confirmed that Belarusian athletes will be allowed to participate in the competition using their national flag - instead of being neutral athletes.
The Ukrainian Judo Federation reacted today by saying that it "strongly condemns" the international federation's decision and considers it "contrary to the fundamental principles of justice, responsibility and solidarity in the world sports movement."
"We are convinced that the participation of athletes from aggressor countries under national symbols is not only political blindness, but also contempt for the victims of war and international law," the Ukrainian Judo Federation said in a statement on Facebook, A2 CNN writes.
"The Judo Federation of Ukraine will continue to consistently defend a position based on moral values, freedom and dignity of the Ukrainian people," the statement further said. (A2 Televizion)
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