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≡ WATANABE IN MOSCOW ≡
Kyodo News reported that Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe (JPN) “informed Russian gymnasts and coaches Monday in a Moscow suburb that they will not be permitted to represent their nation at international competitions while the invasion of Ukraine continues.”
Watanabe was in Ukraine last week and participated in an online news conference from a gymnasium where Ukrainian rhythmic gymnasts were training. He made clear, however, the Russian athletes will be able – as is currently the case – to continue participating as neutrals:
“In Ukraine, there are athletes who have lost their relatives in the war. It’s very hard, but I should remain neutral as the FIG’s president. I have to protect the rights of Russian athletes, too.”
Watanabe is also running to be the President of the International Olympic Committee, with the vote to be taken on 20 March at the 144th IOC Session in Greece. He is not considered a prime contender, but his profile has been considerably raised during the campaign. As he has supported Russian participation as neutrals, he has been viewed as reasonably friendly to Russia.
The Russian news agency TASS reported on Watanabe’s news conference in Novogorsk, where he explained the situation for Russian gymnasts to compete under the national flag:
“As long as the current conflict continues, there is no such possibility. I want to make this clear.”
He added that the current sanctions imposed by FIG are due to Russia’s “violation of the Olympic Truce. … On the other hand, the rights of every person must be respected, and we as a federation must respect and protect them, so we support participation in a neutral status. …
“I want to continue my efforts to make each athlete’s dream come true.
“I would like to use all my strength to think once again about the role of sport in this world. Sport should unite and give friendship, and not be a tool for increasing hatred. These values need to be clarified once again, this is what the world needs now.”
Observed: Give Watanabe credit for forthrightness and honor for going to Kyiv to see Ukrainian gymnasts on the ground and then to tell Russian gymnasts and coaches – face to face – that they cannot return with their flag and anthem until the Russian aggression against Ukraine ends.
It will not change the outcome of the IOC elections next week – his proposal for a five-continent, 50-sport Olympic Games is too radical – but no one can fail to be impressed by this personal show of leadership on his part.
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