MINSK, 7 June (BelTA) - The International Skating Union (ISU) upheld the suspension of the Belarusian and Russian athletes from international competitions. It will last until further notice. The decision was taken at the 58th ISU Congress in Phuket, Thailand on 6 June, BelTA has learned.
Belarusians and Russians have been banned from participation in the ISU competitions in March because of the situation in Ukraine. The ban applies to tournaments in speed skating, short track and figure skating. The Belarusian delegation at the ISU Congress is led by Chairperson of the Belarusian Skating Union Yulia Komleva. Before the start of the congress, its participants rejected Ukraine's proposal to suspend Belarusian and Russian officials from its work.
The congress is set to consider about 250 issues related to the ISU activity. Among them is to increase the minimum age limit in figure skating up to 17 years old. Now athletes who are 15 years old at the start of the season are allowed to participate in the World Championships and the Olympic Games. In addition, there will be elections for various leadership positions, including president. The International Skating Union is currently led by Jan Dijkema of the Netherlands, who has been president since 2016.
The congress will run through 10 June.
