Citing safety concerns, Russia withdraws all judo athletes from international competition

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Judo - 2021 Kazan Grand Slam Judo Tournament - Tatneft Arena, Kazan, Russia - May 7, 2021 Tamerlan Bashaev of Russia, winner of the Men's over 100kg, poses with his gold medal along with second placed Rafael Silva of Brazil and third placed Johannes Frey of Germany and David Moura of Brazil on the podium REUTERS/Alexey Nasyrov

The Russian Judo Federation announced they are withdrawing all of their judo athletes from international competitions due to fears for their safety.

A statement from the Russian Judo Federation said, “Previously, the international federation supported us, saying that judo is out of politics and allowing us to compete. We decided to take a break precisely for reasons of concern for the safety of our athletes.”

The statement from Russia did not mention any specific incidents or concerns which necessitated the withdrawing of athletes, only saying “the logistics in the current conditions also leave much to be desired.”

The International Judo Federation (IJF) allowed Russian athletes to compete as neutral athletes after the Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier this month, however all IJF-sanctioned competitions in Russia were cancelled.

FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a judo training session at the Yug-Sport sport and training complex in the Black sea resort of Sochi, Russia, February 14, 2019. Sputnik/Mikhael Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY./File Photo

Vladimir Putin, a judo enthusiast and an eighth dan black belt, was also stripped of his honorary presidency title by the IJF.

The 2022 European Judo Championships take place April 29-May 1 in Sofia, Bulgaria, and the Russian Judo Federation left open the possibility they will send athletes to compete.

“We are working on various options, so we do not exclude the possibility that our team will perform there. We still have time to think.”

The Belarusian Judo Federation has also withdrawn their athletes from international competitions.

Russia Belarus Judo IJF Russian Judo Federation Vladimir Putin

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Citing safety concerns, Russia withdraws all judo athletes from international competition

The International Judo Federation shut down all competitions in Russia, but did allow their athletes to compete as neutral athletes

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