Magnus Carlsen Urges FIDE to Reject Russia and Belarus Reinstatement

Magnus Carlsen Urges FIDE to Reject Russia and Belarus Reinstatement

Chess legend Magnus Carlsen has vehemently opposed the potential reinstatement of Russia and Belarus into the International Chess Federation (FIDE) ahead of a crucial vote this weekend. The two countries were expelled from FIDE in 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Carlsen, who was honored as the greatest player of all time at a FIDE gala in Budapest, used his platform to advocate against the readmission of Russia and Belarus. He cited the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need to maintain sanctions against the aggressor nations.

“In Garry’s honor, I’m sure he would take the opportunity to advise against reinstating the Russian and Belarusian Chess Federation, so that is what I will do as well,” Carlsen stated.

Garry Kasparov, a renowned Russian grandmaster and outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin, echoed Carlsen’s sentiments. “Indeed I would, and do!” Kasparov wrote on social media.

The proposed readmission of Russia and Belarus has sparked controversy within the chess community and beyond. Ukraine’s sports minister, Matviy Bidny, praised Carlsen’s stance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sanctions against Russia and Belarus while the war continues.

“Sanctions against Russia and Belarus should only be strengthened as long as the war continues, as dictatorial regimes are trying to legitimise the war against Ukraine by using sport and athletes,” Bidny said.

Carlsen, a five-time world chess champion, has consistently dominated the sport since 2013. His unwavering opposition to the readmission of Russia and Belarus underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for the chess community to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

Russian Tennis Duo Wins Silver as Neutral Athletes at Paris Olympics

Russian Tennis Duo Wins Silver as Neutral Athletes at Paris Olympics

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider of Russia made history by becoming the first athletes from their country to win a medal, albeit as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The duo claimed silver in women’s doubles, losing to Italy’s Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini in a thrilling match tiebreaker.

Andreeva and Shnaider’s achievement marks a significant moment for Russian athletes, who have been banned from competing as a team at the Paris Games. Despite the political turmoil, the pair remained focused on their tennis, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination.

“I’m not going to answer anything about politics here,” Shnaider stated at the post-match press conference. “I’m here to talk about tennis.”

The AIN athletes are prohibited from displaying any national symbols or flags on their uniforms. Andreeva and Shnaider wore plain white outfits, devoid of any markings related to Russia.

“For me, honestly, it doesn’t matter,” Andreeva said when asked about competing as AINs. “I just go out there, I play, and I fight.”

Prior to Andreeva and Shnaider’s success, Ivan Litvinovich and Viyaleta Bardzilouskaya of Belarus had won the first medals for AIN athletes in trampoline. Litvinovich claimed gold for the men, while Bardzilouskaya secured silver for the women. Yauheni Zalati, also from Belarus, added a silver in rowing.

Andreeva, at 17, became the second-youngest player to win an Olympic tennis medal, following Jennifer Capriati’s gold in 1992. Shnaider, 20, played college tennis at North Carolina State before teaming up with Andreeva for the first time in doubles.

Errani and Paolini’s victory marked Italy’s first tennis gold medal at any Summer Olympics. Lorenzo Musetti had previously won bronze in men’s singles.

Errani, 37, completed a career Golden Slam by adding the Olympic gold to her five Grand Slam doubles titles. Paolini, meanwhile, is enjoying her best season as a professional, having reached the finals in singles at the French Open and Wimbledon.

Spain’s Cristina Bucsa and Sara Sorribes Tormo claimed bronze by defeating Karolina Muchova and Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic.

Neutral Athlete Ivan Litvinovich Wins Gold at Paris Olympics

Neutral Athlete Ivan Litvinovich Wins Gold at Paris Olympics

Ivan Litvinovich, a Belarusian athlete competing as a neutral at the Paris Olympics, has become the first to win gold in this capacity. However, his victory will not be reflected in the official medals table.

Litvinovich, 23, successfully defended his title in the men’s trampoline final, with China’s Wang Zisai and Yan Langyu claiming silver and bronze respectively. The Belarusian’s triumph marks a significant moment for neutral athletes, who are gradually returning to international competitions under strict conditions.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus were banned from world sport. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has since overseen their return under a neutral banner, subject to rigorous screening.

To qualify as “neutral individual athletes,” competitors must demonstrate exceptional results and undergo a double check by international sports federations and the IOC. They must also prove that they do not actively support the war in Ukraine or have any ties to their countries’ armies.

Neutral athletes are prohibited from participating in the opening ceremony or competing under their national flags. Additionally, their achievements on the podium are not recognized in the medals table.

Only 15 Russians and 17 Belarusians accepted the invitation to compete as neutrals at the Paris Games. Instead of hearing the Belarusian national anthem after receiving his medal, Litvinovich listened to a generic tune commissioned by the IOC.

“It’s different,” Litvinovich said. “Our anthem is better, and I hope we’ll be able to participate in competitions listening to it.”

Litvinovich declined to comment on his presence at the Games, particularly in relation to his previous expressions of support for Belarus.

Earlier in the day, Viyaleta Bardzilouskaya from Belarus won the first medal of any kind by a neutral athlete at the Paris Games, taking silver in the women’s trampoline.

Russia Urges Against Paris Olympics Boycott Despite IOC Restrictions

Russia Urges Against Paris Olympics Boycott Despite IOC Restrictions

Russia’s Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin has urged against boycotting the upcoming Paris Olympics despite the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) restrictions on Russian athletes. The IOC suspended Russia from the 2024 Games due to the Kremlin’s offensive in Ukraine, but allowed Russian athletes to compete as neutrals if they do not support the war.

Matytsin emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue and participation in competitions. He acknowledged that the IOC’s stance is unlikely to soften, but stressed the need for Russian athletes to have the opportunity to compete. He noted that different international federations have varying approaches to Russian participation, with some banning it outright and others allowing it under neutral status.

Despite the ban, Matytsin believes the Olympics remain crucial for Russia. He stated that it is essential to provide athletes with a platform to showcase their abilities and demonstrate the country’s sporting prowess. He added that the decision of whether or not to participate should be left to individual athletes, as each federation has its own regulations.

Russia has previously condemned the IOC’s restrictions as discriminatory and humiliating. However, it has not yet issued a formal recommendation to its athletes regarding participation in Paris. President Vladimir Putin has also refrained from providing guidance, stating that the conditions need to be carefully analyzed.

The IOC’s restrictions include a ban on Russian and Belarusian flags and anthems, as well as a prohibition on government officials attending the Games. Athletes from these countries must also not actively support the war or be affiliated with military or security agencies.

Russia’s participation in the Olympic movement has been limited in recent years due to state-sponsored doping scandals. The country was banned from the 2018 Winter Olympics and had its participation in the 2020 Summer Olympics restricted.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart