Netherlands denies visas to Russian gymnasts for World Championships

The Netherlands has denied entry visas to three elite Russian gymnasts ahead of the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam. The affected athletes include reigning world champion Angelina Melnikova, Olympic champion Viktoria Listunova, and Anna Kalmykova.

Russian officials have condemned the decision as discriminatory and a geopolitical maneuver intended to weaken their team's chances for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualification. Russian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Vladimir Tarabrin, and Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov have criticized the move, with the latter suggesting Russia may request that the event lose its status as an official Olympic qualifying competition.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) stated that visa issuance is a process determined exclusively by Dutch authorities and that the organization cannot intervene in these decisions. While some members of the Russian delegation, including male gymnasts and technical staff, have received credentials, the absence of these key female athletes has sparked significant diplomatic and sporting tension.