The Hague Organizing Competitions – Russian Ambassador

Vladimir Tarabrin Holds Dutch Authorities Responsible for Disrupting Sports Event Meant to Bring People Together

The Hague, October 13. /TASS/. The Russian ambassador to the Netherlands, Vladimir Tarabrin, said that the Dutch authorities' decision to deny visas to Russian gymnasts who are participating in the world championships shows that the Netherlands cannot be trusted to organize international competitions.

"They wanted to 'teach Russia a lesson', but they only showed that the Netherlands cannot be left to organize international tournaments," he told Tass.

Earlier, the press service of the Russian Gymnastics Federation reported that the Dutch embassy refused to issue visas to Olympic champions Angelina Melnikova and Victoria Listonova, as well as Anna Kalmykova, calling it a "threat to international relations".

The Artistic Gymnastics World Championships will be held in Rotterdam from October 17 to 25 and will serve as the first team selection stage for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.