Russian Weightlifting Federation (FTAR) technical committee member Anna Borygina could not attend the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) congress due to Bulgaria’s refusal to issue an entry visa. In this respect TASS said FTAR Secretary General Dmitry Vasilenko.
The EWF Congress took place in Sofia on 17 February. In November 2023, the FTAR Executive Committee decided to send the head of the organization, Maxim Agapitov, and Borygina to the congress.
Vasilenko said, “Unfortunately, Anna Borygina was not given a visa and could not go to the congress.” Agapitov stated that the Bulgarian side refused the visa to the FTAR employee without any explanation.
Agapitov is the first vice president of the European Weightlifting Federation. Thanks to his long-term Schengen multivisa, he was able to travel to Bulgaria and take part in the EWF board and congress work.
At the end of February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) appealed to international sports federations, recommending that Russian and Belarusian athletes not be allowed to participate in any competitions.
At the meeting of the IOC Executive Committee on March 28, 2023, it was proposed to allow the Russians to remain in neutral status if the athletes are not actively involved in supporting military operations.
previously Romania blocked entry to become a two-time Olympic champion in wrestling.