RUSSIANS ALLOWED TO COMPETE UNDER THE RUSSIAN FLAG AND NATIONAL ANTHEM

MOSCOW, JULY 28 /SRNA/ - European Gymnastics has ratified a directive allowing Russian athletes to compete at European competitions under the Russian flag and national anthem, the Russian Gymnastics Federation said.

The decision, adopted at an extraordinary General Assembly of the continental governing body, is aligned with a directive issued by the International Gymnastics Federation. The International Gymnastics Federation lifted restrictions in May on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing at international events under their national flags and anthems. Competitions organised before July 28 may be held in accordance with the transitional rules adopted at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation. Their use is restricted only in cases where the laws or mandatory requirements of government agencies in the host country prohibit the display of Russian state symbols. The transitional procedure applies only to the use of national symbols and does not affect the eligibility of Russian athletes to compete.