Dominik Hasek’s FIRES heartfelt plea to NHL, WTA, ATP to exclude Russian players from all International competitions

The ongoing Russian and Ukraine war has been a sensitive topic worldwide. While many stances were taken to show support and oppose the idea, the world of sports is currently split into two. Dominik Hasek, a legendary ice hockey player recently sent a 1,300-word letter stating his disappointment in a few leagues.

While some organizations have banned Russian athletes from International game participation, some are still allowing it. On March 1 the International governing body of tennis clearly stated they’re opposed to the war issued in Ukraine. 

Furthermore, the Russian and the Belarus Tennis Federation indefinitely suspended teams and withdrew from any international team competitions. The HOF, Hasek regrettably stated that neither the National Hockey League, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATO), nor the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has taken any stance against Russian players.

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Dominik Hasek pleads sports team to reconsider banning Russian athletes from competitions

In an open letter sent to these organizations on Twitter Hasek stated that during active wartimes, Russian athletes should not be allowed in any form to participate in sports. He went on to note that doing so is only allowing the Russian government “to advertise its aggressive policy” against Ukraine.

Hasek said that the intention behind his 1,300-word letter “is primarily about saving lives in Ukraine and what sport in a democratic world must do for that,” according to Sportsnet. He went on that it was “inexcusable” to “tolerate the participation of Russian athletes in your competitions”. 

“You are, therefore, fully responsible for the irreversible damage caused by the Russian army in Ukraine, including wasted lives.” “Russian athletes who, like all of us adults, are responsible for the actions of their country”. 

“This letter is addressed to the NHL, WTA and ATP, but I would appreciate if all the leagues and competitions in the world, especially the International Olympic Committee, read and consider it,” he concluded. 

Apart from his sentiments to deliver his letter, the NHL in fact did release a statement back in February which read, “The National Hockey League condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and urges a peaceful resolution as quickly as possible.”

“Effective immediately, we are suspending our relationships with our business partners in Russia and we are pausing our Russian language social and digital media sites. In addition, we are discontinuing any consideration of Russia as a location for any future competitions involving the NHL.” 

“We also remain concerned about the well-being of the players from Russia, who play in the NHL on behalf of their NHL Clubs, and not on behalf of Russia. We understand they and their families are being placed in an extremely difficult position.”

The 6-time Vezina Trophy winner hoped that his letter will make a difference, and probably fulfill his aim. He wants no players from Russia to be included in the sports world until matters with Ukraine are not sorted out. Similar to NHL, the WTA, and the ATP did release a joint statement in April.

Their statement, however, openly disagreed with Wimbeldon and the Lawn Tennis Association to ban Russian competitors from the International stage. Though he did condemn the ongoing war, matters regarding banning players were a different matter.

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