World Sambo Championship in Limassol faces cancellation over Russian and Belarusian symbols

The World Sambo Championship for veterans, scheduled for November 20 and 21 in Limassol, is at risk of cancellation due to a conflict regarding the display of Russian and Belarusian national symbols. The International Sambo Federation (FIAS) is demanding that athletes from Russia and Belarus be permitted to compete under their national flags and anthems.

The Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) has rejected this demand, maintaining that athletes from these nations must participate as neutral "global athletes." This stance is based on four joint declarations signed by the Republic of Cyprus with other nations to restrict Russian and Belarusian involvement in international sports following the invasion of Ukraine. FIAS has reportedly warned that the event may be cancelled, which would result in the loss of approximately 500 arrivals and could negatively impact the island's prospects for hosting future international competitions.

The situation remains in deadlock as officials navigate the tension between international federation policies and state-level commitments regarding international sanctions. If the dispute is not resolved, the hosting of this major event remains uncertain.