Athletes and officials of the Russian and Belarusian Power Triathlon Federations cannot participate in any championships

Given the current situation in Ukraine, various world sports committees are taking steps to restrict the access of Russian and Belarusian athletes to competitions. Just as the targeted economic sanctions are intended to frustrate Russia and Belarus and bring an end to the war in Ukraine, the aforementioned restriction on Russian athletes at international competitions is intended to cause outrage among the Russian and Belarusian populations.

And it was on March 1, 2022 that the International Powerlifting Federation IPF agreed to provisionally exclude athletes and officials of the Russian and Belarusian federations from international, regional or world powerlifting championships.

As frustrating as this news may be, the organisers clearly state in their report why they are taking this restriction " However, the IPF is taking this measure to ensure the safety of ALL our athletes, coaches, officials and referees."

You can read the full IPF committee report below:

Luxembourg, 1 March 2022

The IPF Executive Committee met today regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. The IPF Executive Committee is deeply concerned about the Russian government's invasion of Ukraine and its support of the Belarusian government.

After careful discussion and reflection, the IPF EC has therefore decided to take the following actions:

1. Until further notice, athletes and officials of the Russian and Belarusian Power Triathlon Federations will not be invited or allowed to participate in any international, regional or world power triathlon championships.
2. Until further notice, the IPF will not organise any sporting events in Russia or Belarus.
3. Crucially and importantly, we recognise that this is not the fault of the athletes, coaches, officials and referees of the Russian and Belarusian Power Triathlon Federations. However, the IPF is taking this action to ensure the safety of ALL our athletes, coaches, officials and referees.

The IPF thanks everyone for the calls for peace from athletes, coaches, officials and referees to stop the violence and restore peace.

Let us pray for a solution to the ongoing war now taking place in Ukraine.

The IPF EC reaffirms the call of the IOC President: " Give peace a chance."

Thank you,

IPF Executive Committee

Source : https://www.powerlifting.sport/