Germany did not allow Russians to participate in the European Youth Games for the Deaf

The German Association of Sports for the Deaf, in coordination with the government of the country, refused to provide Russian athletes with access to participate in the European Youth Games for the Deaf, which will be held in Hanover from August 17 to 23. This was announced on July 20 by the press service of the Russian Embassy in Germany.

"According to the information available to the embassy, the German Association of Sports for the Deaf (Deutscher Gehörlosen-Sportverband; DGSV), in coordination with the government of Germany, decided not to allow Russian athletes to participate in the European Youth Games for the Deaf," the statement said.

As a justification, DGSV referred to the fact "that the German people allegedly would not agree with Russia's participation in the competition."

The Russian Embassy called for the return of Russian athletes' access to competitions, recalling that sport is designed to promote the principles of inclusivity and equality of people with disabilities, who should not become hostages of political intrigues and opportunistic approaches. The diplomats stressed that the access of Russian juniors to participate in the games should be restored.

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When will athletes from the Russian Federation be able to compete under the national flag and participate in international tournaments at home?

On July 14, Estonia and eight other EU countries proposed to the European Commission to deprive the IOC and a number of international sports organizations of funding for the admission of Russians to international competitions. In addition, the authors of the letter suggested reviewing the organization's participation in future European discussions and events dedicated to the development of sports.

According to Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports and head of the Russian Olympic Committee, the IOC's decision will accelerate the process of restoring all Russian athletes to the international arena. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the IOC's decision an important step. The committee's recommendations have already been supported by the International Gymnastics Federation.