The Ukrainian Embassy in Tel Aviv called on the Israeli Ministry of Culture and Sports to cancel the 2023 European SAMBO Championship due to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the competitions. This was reported on the social networks of the department.
The tournament is held in Haifa, Israel.
Athletes from 24 countries participate in the European Championship. The teams of Russia, Belarus and France compete under the banner of the International SAMBO Federation.
The tournament will continue until April 23. Medals are awarded in sports sambo among cadets, juniors, juniors and adults, as well as in combat sambo between men and women.
Previously reportedOn the opening day of the European Championship, Russian athletes won eight gold and two bronze medals.
At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on March 28, it was recommended that the Russians be allowed to have a neutral status, if the athletes were not actively engaged in supporting hostilities. Athletes representing law enforcement and armed forces will not be allowed to compete.