The Russian trampoline gymnastics team has announced its withdrawal from the next stage of the World Cup, scheduled to be held in Portugal, after local authorities refused to allow the display of national symbols.
According to a statement issued by the Russian Gymnastics Federation, the team was ready to participate in the tournament, but the organizers informed the team that local laws in Portugal prohibit the use of Russian national symbols during competitions, including the flag and anthem.
The national team's technical director, Alexei Ryzhkov, explained that the team received an offer to participate under the status of "neutral" athletes, but the tournament's failure to comply with the International Gymnastics Federation's recommendations regarding the status of Russian athletes prompted the team to make the decision to withdraw.
The fourth stage of the Trampoline World Cup is scheduled to take place on July 4 and 5 in the Portuguese city of Coimbra.
This decision comes weeks after the Russian rhythmic gymnastics team withdrew from an international tournament in Romania, due to the same restrictions related to the flag and nation anthem.
