The Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca violated World Gymnastics (WG) rules by verbally banning the Russian flag and anthem at a World Challenge Cup event, prompting the Russian team to withdraw due to the “gross violation of competition regulations.” This action goes against WG’s recent decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete with their flags and anthems, aiming to increase international dialogue.

• The Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca banned the Russian flag and anthem at a World Challenge Cup gymnastics event, against the rules set by World Gymnastics (WG).
• The Russian Gymnastics Federation (RGF) withdrew its team due to this violation, calling it an act of “betrayal” and “extreme cowardice” by organizers.
• WG had previously ruled that Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete under their own flags and anthems to promote dialogue.
• Some officials believe that Ukraine has lobbied western nations to act against the interests of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
• Incidents involving young Russian athletes, such as Sofia Ilteriakova and Darja Varfolomeev, have been politicized and used to justify discriminatory actions.
• The article argues that politics is unduly influencing sports, undermining the spirit of fair competition.