“It is a big deal”: Russia will not host the 2023 World University Games after facing ban


“It is a big deal”: Russia will not host the 2023 World University Games after facing ban

Vladimir Putin

The International University Sports Federation, FISU, on Friday has decided to postpone the Yekaterinburg, Russia’s hosting rights for the 2023 World University Games. FISU has already banned the Russian and Belarusian athletes as well as officials from taking part in the events over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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FISU has also barred Russia from hosting 3 events. Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin, who was forced to vacate his position as president of FISU over a court ruling on Russian doping violations, said last month that Russia would invite “friendly countries” to take part in its national university games.

Russia will not host or be a part of the 2023 World University Games

Vladimir Putin Alina Kabaeva
World University Games

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in which Belarus has been a big part, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that international federations bar both Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing.

Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24 in what it called a special operation to degrade its southern neighbour’s military capabilities and root out people it called dangerous nationalists. Ukrainian forces have put up stiff resistance and the West has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia in an effort to force it to withdraw its forces.

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Also read: French Open allows Russian and Belarusian players to participate, does not follow Wimbledon’s footsteps