31.3 C
Delhi
Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Wimbledon to lift ban on Russian and Belarusian players

Date:

Share post:

Donate-GC-Razorpay

London: Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to play at the Wimbledon Championships this summer as “neutral” athletes, the All England Club announced.

“Our current intention is to accept entries from Russian and Belarusian players subject to them competing as ‘neutral’ athletes and complying with appropriate conditions,” read the statement released on Friday.

But players receiving funding from the Russian or Belarusian states or having sponsorship from companies operated or controlled by the states won’t be allowed to participate in the competition.

“It is our view that considering all factors, these are the most appropriate arrangements for The Championships for this year,” commented Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club.

“If circumstances change materially between now and the commencement of The Championships, we will consider and respond accordingly.”

As one of the four Grand Slam tournaments of tennis, the Wimbledon Championships declined entries from Russian and Belarusian players to the 2022 tournament. Consequently, both ATP and WTA stripped ranking points for last year’s Wimbledon Championships.

“There was a strong and very disappointing reaction from some governing bodies in tennis to the position taken by the All England Club and the LTA last year with consequences which, if continued, would be damaging to the interests of players, fans, The Championships and British tennis,” said the statement.

“Tennis events outside of the UK have experienced a year of competition with players from Russia and Belarus competing as ‘neutral’ athletes. We also consider the alignment between the Grand Slams to be increasingly important in the current tennis environment.”

Related articles

Not Welcome in Goa, Illegal in Karnataka, Bike Taxis, Cabs Are Boon on Wheels

Commuting around places that we visit as tourists or even across our own cities and towns was never...

When the Summit Became a Stage: The G7, Trump’s Exit, and a Fractured World

IntroductionIn the crisp alpine air of Kananaskis, nestled amidst the brooding Rockies of Alberta, world leaders gathered...

Goa’s Taxi Trap: Are We Driving Backwards Into the 19th Century?

 There comes a time in a state’s journey when its political leadership must decide whether it wants to...

The House of Khamenei: If Iran Collapses, the Axis of Resistance Will Crumble Too

If the Islamic Republic of Iran collapses like a house of cards, the shockwaves will not merely tremble...