The German Judo Federation has expressed clear criticism of the actions of the International Olympic Committee after the much-discussed re-admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus to the World Championships. "The big problem is the IOC's unclear decision," said board spokesman Frank Doetsch of the German Press Agency. With its recommendation to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete again as neutral athletes, the IOC has "relinquished responsibility," Doetsch criticized.
The official finds it problematic that there is still no clear statement on the possible participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. "That's a big difficulty in judo with the long qualification phase," Doetsch said. In judo, points are collected for participation in the Olympics over a period of two years. The way the world federations deal with the IOC's decision varies from sport to sport.
At the Judo World Championships in Qatar, which starts this Sunday, Russians and Belarusians can now collect important points for Olympic qualification. The World Judo Federation had decided last week to let them start again under certain conditions. This had caused criticism, Ukraine had announced a World Cup boycott.
"Our position is that of German sport as a whole: We would have liked to have seen it differently that the Russians and Belarusians were not allowed to take off in order to set an example against this war of aggression," Doetsch said. However, he could understand the decision on the basis of the IOC recommendation. "The fact is that we are in the minority worldwide with our opinion, which is predominantly represented by countries from Central Europe."
A boycott or the renunciation of fights against Russians is not an option for the German team. "The athletes would like to do their sport, even if they condemn the war. They have been preparing for a long time and are working towards the big goal of the Olympics," said Doetsch. In the case of possible battles against Russians, the political dimension will not play a role. "You're so focused that you block it out."