Czech police stopped a Russian tennis player from entering the country ahead of the WTA Prague Open tournament, organisers said on Friday, as a new government resolution banning athletes from Russia or Belarus caused the event to scratch other competitors.

Czech police stopped a Russian tennis player from entering the country ahead of the WTA Prague Open tournament, organisers said on Friday, as a new government resolution banning athletes from Russia or Belarus caused the event to scratch other competitors.

  • Vikthor@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
    52·
    1 year ago

    I understand this is a near impossible task, but sports (particularly the athletes) and politics should stay separate.

    That ship has sailed in the 1936 at the latest. Every authoritative regime will sooner or later try to use successes of their athletes for propaganda(the “neutral flag” sham notwithstanding). There is no reason to give them the opportunity.

    And that it affects the careers of the athletes? Maybe, but let me remind you that Ukrainians are still dying, probably by hundreds a day. And so do their athletes.

    • cpo@lemmy.worldEnglish
      22·
      1 year ago

      So much this. If you allow your government to pull shit like that and expect your sports career to be unhampered in any way she should take the streets. Not whine.