Russia called the IWF demand to condemn the war "violation of the charter" and didn't get to the World Cup

The president of the Russian Weightlifting Federation (RWF) Maxim Agapitov has called the IWF demand to condemn the war in Ukraine to participate in international tournaments "violation of the charter". He confirmed that athletes from the aggressor country refused to sign the relevant declaration, and therefore were not allowed to participate in the World Championships-2023 in Riyadh.

Agapitov said this in a commentary to Sport24 portal. The head of the RWF demanded that the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) lift any restrictions for Russian weightlifters and powerlifters because they "have not violated any sporting and anti-doping rules".

"The proposed admission conditions violate the Olympic charter and the statutes of the international federation. Our athletes refused to sign the declaration. We are ready to compete at international starts on equal terms for all athletes. We are engaged in sports. Our athletes have not violated any sports and anti-doping rules. The reasons are solely political and have nothing to do with sport. We don't do politics, only sport!" the functionary noted with pathos.

Agapitov earlier called the competitions without Russian Federation symbols a "real circus" accusing Western countries of conspiracy.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, Athens-2004 Olympic champion in rhythmic gymnastics Alina Kabaeva, who is often called the mistress of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was rmocked online after demanding to observe sports principles.

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