After the International Boxing Association (IBA) suspended the Ukrainian association at its congress in Yerevan almost two weeks ago, the world association of amateur boxers has now allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in international competitions again.
The board of directors of the association, which is financed by the Russian gas company Gazprom and led by its Russian President Umar Kremlev, has decided with its approval decision that the Russian and Belarusian flags will be seen again in future international competitions and that the national anthem will be played in the event of victory.
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Kremlev, who has a past with the “Night Wolves,” a nationalist-leaning biker group known as “Putin's Motorbike Rockers,” was confirmed in office under scandalous circumstances at the congress in the Armenian capital.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC), which had withdrawn recognition from the IBA around three years ago and which will also organize the Olympic boxing in Paris in 2024 itself, subsequently expressed "extreme concern".
IOC President Thomas Bach told the Italian “Corriere della Sera” last week that it was important to him “that athletes with a Russian passport who do not support the war can take part in competitions again”.
Meanwhile, 2014 Winter Olympics luge silver medalist Vladislav Antonov is said to have received a call-up order from the Russian army.
This was reported by the Ukrainian portal Obozrevatel.
It belongs to a Ukrainian politician.
The 31-year-old Antonov became World and European Champion 2020 in doubles with Alexander Denisiev.
Antonov had wanted to fly from Krasnoyarsk to a training camp in Sochi on the Black Sea coast to be able to train on the Olympic track in the mountains.
According to Obozrevatel, former professional soccer player Diniyar Belyaletdinov has also been called up.
The former national player ended his career in 2018 after stints in Moscow and in England, among others.
Antonov wants to continue winning in the ice channel: "We have a chance of a positive ending and the duo's return to the national team so that they can continue to prepare for the season," said national coach Petrakov, according to Obozrevatel.
The Russians will not be allowed to take part in the international competitions.
The World Luge Federation had excluded the Russian federation from participating in the competitions.
After Putin ordered a partial mobilization on September 21, top athletes fear being drafted into military service and are looking for ways to evade conscription.
According to information from the FAZ, German sport has been asked for help.