Over 200 Russian athletes renounce citizenship since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
One of the strongest chess players in the world Oleksandra Kosteniuk left Russia for Switzerland (Photo:instagram.com/chessqueen)
At least 204 Russian athletes have renounced (or are about to) their citizenship to evade international sanctions, which have been imposed since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the Holod independent media outlet reported on July 13.
The largest number of athletes who have changed the national flag are among chess players, namely 141 people. Russia has also lost 11 athletes each in figure skating and equestrian sports, five each in artistic gymnastics and tennis, and four each in motor sports and football.
In addition, it has lost two each in cycling, motorcycle racing, ice skating, hockey, swimming, rowing, boxing, and sailing. Freestyle wrestling, athletics, biathlon, short track, MMA, judo, gymnastics, and alpine skiing lost one athlete each.
Israel hosted the largest number of Russian athletes – 25 Russians are now competing under its national flag. Serbia accepted 19 people, Germany – 13, France – 12. Russians also fled to such distant countries as Chile, Vanuatu, and Australia.
Earlier, Russian and Belarusian athletes were banned from participating in most international competitions.
In March 2023, the International Olympic Committee issued recommendations for international sports federations regarding the admission of Russian and Belarusians athletes to competitions.
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