The Russian national rhythmic gymnastics team has withdrawn from 2026 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup in Cluj-Napoca,Romania,citing significant violations of competition rules by the event's organizers. This decision was announced by the press office of the Russian Gymnastics Federation (RGF) on Friday.
Concerns arose after Cluj-Napoca Mayor Emil Boc publicly opposed the display of Russian national symbols during the competition. He stated his intention to prevent the Russian flag from being shown and the national anthem from being played, even if Russian gymnasts were to win. Linar Ginatullin, a spokesperson for RGF's rhythmic gymnastics department, emphasized that this stance contradicts a recent decision by the Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation (World Gymnastics),which had reinstated the rights of Russian athletes .
Ginatullin remarked,"The organizers informed us verbally that the national flag of the Russian Federation will not be displayed in arena and the national anthem will not be played in event of Russian gymnasts’ victories." He characterized this as a direct violation of May decision that allowed Russian gymnasts to compete under their national flag and anthem.
He further pointed out that the situation breaches the Charter of World Gymnastics and updated provisions of the Olympic Charter, which aim to shield athletes from political and social pressures. "Our national team is always ready to compete in tournaments where World Gymnastics requirements are respected," Ginatullin added .
The 2026 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup is set to occur from June 26 to 28 and is recognized as an official event on the World Gymnastics calendar. The decision to allow Russian athletes to compete internationally under their national symbols was made on May 18,when the Executive Committee of World Gymnastics lifted previous restrictions. Following this,European Gymnastics confirmed it would also reconsider its stance by May 24.
In December 2025, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board had issued recommendations permitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in international competitions under their national flags and anthems, a move that many international sports federations subsequently adopted .