Ukrainian athletes plan to boycott this month’s World Judo Championships in Qatar over concerns about Russian and Belarusian participation.
This comes after the International Judo Federation decided to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals, a decision that will allow judokas from those countries to participate in qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games.
The Ukrainian Judo Federation revealed on Monday that they have taken the decision not to participate in the World Championships.
Last month, the International Olympic Committee recommended Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete under a neutral flag, but it has yet to make a decision on Paris 2024.
The IOC also recommended athletes and support personnel who actively support the war in Ukraine, or who are contracted to the military, should not be permitted to compete.