“A bad example is contagious. Russia needs to send a protest to the ATP and WTA “- Svishchev about the organizers of the tournament in Poland

Dmitry Svishchev, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, called strange the behavior of the organizers of the tennis tournament in Poland, who recommended that Russian athletes not apply for participation in competitions.

The website of the Challenger series tournament in Grodzisk-Mazowiecki says that the performance of Russians and Belarusians is not welcome, and access to participation if they apply is not guaranteed. The tournament will be held from 14 to 19 August.

– It is necessary that international organizations such as ATP and WTA carefully study the statements of the organizers of the middle tournament. If in this way they try to prevent athletes on a national basis, then such things should be punished. The International Tennis Federation called for the admission of all athletes, regardless of nationality. It seems to me that the Russian Tennis Federation should not remain on the sidelines either. It is necessary to study, analyze this statement and send a protest to the International Tennis Federation. If we keep silent, then next time the big tournaments will do the same. A bad example is contagious. Wimbledon received a cap for incorrect actions and statements. The entire international sports community condemned them. Including the strongest athletes. Plus, there was a fine of $1 million. This is an overt interference in sports by British politicians and parliamentarians, who have repeatedly stated that our athletes should not be allowed. The International Tennis Federation reacted very clearly to this, RT Svishchev quotes.

Later, the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of Poland made a statement that they have no legal opportunity to influence the composition of the participants in tournaments under the auspices of the ATP and WTA.

In March, the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that international federations, if Russians are allowed to start, carry it out individually, in a neutral status, without participating in team events, and also exclude the participation of athletes associated with law enforcement agencies.