The International Judo Federation (IJF) eased sanctions against Russian and Belarusian athletes and allowed them to compete in a neutral status. In response to such an indulgence, the Judo Federation of Ukraine announced its readiness to boycott all starts under the auspices of the IJF. Including tournaments that will be held as part of the Olympic qualification (starts in the summer of 2022).

The international federation replied that they would not change their decisions because they did not want to discriminate against athletes. The letter was signed by IJF President Marius Vizer from Romania, according to the official website of the Ukrainian Judo Federation..

" We are definitely against war, but also against hatred.. Young people, especially athletes, should be role models for their own and future generations. Athletes cannot be held responsible for the decisions of some leaders, especially when they prefer to compete rather than go to war, this is friendship, unity, solidarity and peace.

In judo we will not encourage division and hatred. It cannot be assumed that some negative force will divide a family like a judo family, and we should be an example to other communities as well.. I am deeply disappointed by the fact that in this conflict we are only talking about the victory of one side or the other, and not about peace..

We must be the ones who, through sport, inspire conflict parties and show them that peace is the only solution to stop conflict and restore global stability.. We must be united in both good and bad times.. We cannot punish people who are not responsible for the actions of others.. This would mean discrimination, and in our sport there is no place for war, politics and discrimination,"

Ukrainian Judo Federation President Mykhailo Koshlyak responded to this response IJF.

" No new announcements. We just can't do it any other way. A brutal war is going on in the country, aimed at destroying Ukraine as a nation: crippled children, thousands of dead civilians, destroyed houses, entire cities and villages wiped off the face of the earth, soldiers are dying. Among the dead are judo coaches.. someone sees the borders of our country in their own way. And, by the way, not only ours,"

Recall that the famous Ukrainian judoka Georgy Zantaraya condemned the decision of the International Judo Federation regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in competitions.