In Britain, they called the suspension of Russians from international competitions a mistake.

The suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions was the wrong decision. This was announced on March 16 by the English writer and designer Punit Bhandal to Izvestia.

"I think we need to go back to 2022 and 2023 and recognize that the exclusion of Russians and Belarusians from sports was completely wrong. The fact is that in conditions of <conflict> it is very difficult. This is not to say that there is a good side and a bad side. Athletes are just trying to be athletes," she said.

She also called it terrible that representatives of Russia and Belarus participating in international competitions had to perform under a neutral flag, without playing the national anthem and with no opportunity to celebrate the victory. Bhandal stressed the need to move forward and ensure the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the competitions.

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How and why Hungary helps Russian sports

On March 10, Morinari Watanabe, head of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and presidential candidate of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), announced his intention to return Russian athletes to the international arena. He stressed that he would make every effort to restore the participation of Russians in major sporting events. According to him, athletes are most looking forward to the opportunity to participate in international competitions, and he expressed a desire "to make their dream come true."