russia and Belarus have been banned from competing under their own flags at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships

This was announced by the European federation.

The decision was taken after the Croatian government banned representatives from russia and Belarus from using flags, national anthems and other national symbols at the competitions.

In response, European Gymnastics stated that it respects the Croatian government’s decision. Consequently, the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sport has confirmed the conditions for the participation of russian and Belarusian athletes and delegation members in the European Championships without any national identifiers of these two countries.

The decision regarding the participation of russian and Belarusian athletes in international artistic gymnastics competitions with national symbols was taken after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) updated its recommendations concerning athletes from these countries. Following this, the FIG and European Gymnastics lifted the restrictions on their participation in international tournaments, allowing them to compete without ‘neutral status’.

In particular, athletes from russia and Belarus were permitted to return to international competitions using their national symbols, flags and national anthems. As a result, russian and Belarusian athletes have already competed at the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships under their national symbols.

At the same time, the final conditions for participation may vary depending on the host country. In the case of the 2026 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Croatia has decided to apply neutral status to athletes from russia and Belarus and to ban the use of their national symbols.

The continental championships will begin in Zagreb on 13 August. For the first time in history, the championships will be split into men’s and women’s tournaments. The women’s competition will take place from 13 to 16 August, whilst the men will compete for the title from 19 to 23 August.

Source: Suspilne Sport