BWF cancels all tournaments in Russia and Belarus

KUALA LUMPUR – The Badminton World Federation (BWF) today issued a statement condemning Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine while expressing concern over the civilians affected in the conflict.

In the statement, the world governing body said they have agreed to cancel all BWF-sanctioned tournaments in Russia and Belarus and will not be allocating any tournaments in both countries until further notice. 

“BWF will communicate its deepest sympathies and concerns to the Ukraine Badminton Association and will coordinate special support to the Ukraine badminton community where possible.

“BWF will continue to monitor the situation closely and will proactively consult our international sports movement partners to discuss other options to potentially strengthen measures against the government of Russia and Belarus,” read the statement.

Other measures taken by BWF also include that the Russian and Belarusian national flags must not be displayed, and the Russian and Belarusian national anthems must not be played, at any BWF-sanctioned tournaments until further notice.

The statement also stated that BWF strongly believed any conflict should be resolved without the use of violence of any kind and expressed faith in the sports movement’s contribution towards peace and solidarity between all people. 

“BWF is profoundly concerned for the safety of the people of Ukraine, and the Ukraine badminton community including players, coaches, and officials. 

“BWF fully supports the public statement of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board and expresses its disappointment and strong condemnation of the breach by the governments of Russia and Belarus of the UN General Assembly’s Olympic Truce,” BWF added.

BWF also said that they stand in full solidarity with the entire international sports movement to call on all parties to stop acts of violence and restore peace. – The Vibes, February 28, 2022