Arena Zagreb prepares for European Gymnastics Championships amid Russian visa disputes

The European Artistic Gymnastics Championships are set to begin at the Arena Zagreb in Croatia, featuring over 600 athletes. Preparations for the event are in their final stages, with equipment valued at approximately 1.25 million euros being installed to ensure athlete safety and stability.

However, the competition faces political tension as several members of the Russian national team have been denied visas to enter Croatia. Among those unable to participate are three-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Angelina Melnikova, as well as Olympic champion Viktoria Listunova.

The Russian Gymnastics Federation expressed frustration over the selective visa issuance by the Croatian embassy in Moscow, noting that while 56 members received visas, nine others—including key athletes and specialists—were denied. The Federation argued that these administrative decisions create a "dangerous precedent" and question the principle of equal conditions for all national federations.