World Gymnastics to ban Russian flag at tournaments

The Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation (World Gymnastics) has changed the decision to use Russian national symbols in tournaments under the auspices of the organization. This is reported on her website.

Previously, a ban on the flag and anthem at the request of local authorities could only apply to competitions distributed before the May decision to lift sanctions.

“It has become clear that similar flexibility is needed for competitions granted after the May 2026 decision if binding local restrictions prevent the full application of World Gymnastics’ standard rules and procedures,” the statement said.

Restrictions on the use of national symbols of Russia and Belarus can be considered individually for each tournament.

Russian athletes performed without a flag at the European Championships in gymnastics in Croatia, at the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Germany. They will also go to the Netherlands without a flag. The relevant restrictions were introduced after the start of the military operation in Ukraine.