Following the landmark decision by FIG on May 18 to approve the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes, the upcoming European Championships will be the first major event to implement the shift.

Russian and Belarusian rhythmic gymnasts will compete under their national flags and state symbols at the European Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics. The tournament will start from May 27-31 in Varna, Bulgaria.

Before the major event, the European Gymnastics organisation announced on May 24 that it would follow the decision by the World Gymnastics Federation. The ban on both nations' athletes will be lifted with immediate effect.

As reported by Karlobag, Varna will be the first major competition stage to witness the historic change.

On May 21, an online meeting was held during which the Executive Committee of European Gymnastics finalised the measures ahead of the upcoming championship. After a mandatory 48-hour waiting period before electronic voting, the decision was made to lift the restriction on Russian and Belarusian gymnasts.

The decision must be formal ratification from the online General Assembly of European Gymnastics. However, the governing body clarified that the changes will be applied immediately before the championship.

The venue for the five-day event is the Palace of Culture and Sports in Kniaz Boris I 115 in the Bulgarian City of Varna. The organiser also disclosed details about television and online broadcast options, along with live data tracking for scores.

The upcoming European championship will open the door for athletes previously confined to limited exposure in the domestic circuit and help restore their credibility.

How the Russian Federation Welcomed the FIG's Decision to Lift the Ban

After the World Gymnastics Federation lifted its restrictions on Russian and Belarusian gymnasts, the Russian Federation welcomed the profound decision and showed great appreciation.

In a statement, Russian Federation President Oleg Belozerov expressed his approval.

“The Russian Gymnastics Federation welcomes the decision of World Gymnastics to fully restore the rights of Russian athletes, returning them the opportunity to perform under the national flag and with the national anthem,” he stated, as per Inside The Games.

He further celebrated the decision as a huge opportunity for athletes to compete under their own flags and make their country proud. Belozerov also praises the committee for ending the ban and opening the doors to new opportunities.

“I would like to personally thank the president of the organisation, Morinari Watanabe," he wrote. "For his consistent position, constructive approach, and support for the principles of open international sports.”

The Russian Federation's acknowledgment of the FIG's decision highlights a watershed moment in recent sports history. With athletes like Angelina Melnikova and Viktoria Listunova now permitted to perform, the upcoming tournaments will be immensely more competitive.

Read more at the Gymnastics Digest.

Written by

Sebi Mehta

Edited by

Sijo Paul