The International Judo Federation (IJF) has decided to cancel the international Grand Slam tournament, which was supposed to be held in Kazan. The tournament was supposed to take place from 20 to 22 May. The event was canceled due to Russia’s decision to launch a military operation in Ukraine.
“We are saddened by the current international situation, the result of an ineffective dialogue at the international level. We, the sports community, must remain united and strong, support each other and our human values in order to always promote peace and friendship, harmony and unity. The judo family hopes that the current unrest can be resolved at the last moment in order to restore stability in Eastern Europe and the world, in order to once again be able to focus on uniting the diverse cultures, history and heritage of Europe,” IJF President Marius Vizer said in a statement published on federation website.
Grand Slam competitions are the fourth largest after the Olympic Games, World Championships and Masters tournaments and the first among the competitions that are held more than once a year.
Earlier, Russia lost the right to host a number of international sports competitions, including the Football Champions League final, the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Association of Tennis Professionals tournament, and others. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) called on sports federations to deprive Russia and Belarus of the possibility of holding all international competitions.
For more information about what international competitions Russia has lost, read the material “Kommersant” “Scorched Playground”.