Netherlands denies visas to 3 Russian athletes, barring them from world championships
Angelina Melnikova, Viktoria Listunova, and Anna Kalmykova were denied entry as "one or more Schengen area member states consider the athletes a threat to their international relations," the Russian Gymnastics Federation said.
Dutch authorities have denied visas to three Russian gymnasts, preventing them from participating in the upcoming world gymnastics championships in Rotterdam. Angelina Melnikova, Viktoria Listunova, and Anna Kalmykova were denied entry due to concerns that the athletes pose a threat to international relations within the Schengen area.
This decision comes as Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine remains a contentious issue in global sports. Despite the denial, visas were granted to five other Russian gymnasts, bringing the total number of approved athletes to 47 out of 61 members of the Russian delegation. Listunova and Melnikova, both Olympic gold medalists, had previously expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and participated in political activities.
Kalmykova, a sports contract holder with the Russian National Guard, also faces scrutiny. The Russian Gymnastics Federation has denounced the decision and plans to appeal to the International Olympic Committee and World Gymnastics. The championships, serving as the first stage of team qualification for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, are set to take place from October 17 to 25 in Rotterdam.
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