Russian gymnasts denied Rotterdam visas, Moscow says

Russia's Gymnastics Federation said Tuesday that the Netherlands had refused visas for three Russian women gymnasts, including reigning world champion Angelina Melnikova, leaving them unable to compete at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam.

The federation named the athletes as Melnikova, Viktoria Listunova and Anna Kalmykova. It called the refusal discriminatory and said it would appeal to the world gymnastics governing body and the International Olympic Committee.

The championships are scheduled to be held in Rotterdam from October 17 to 25.

In August, Melnikova was initially denied a visa to compete at the European Championships in Croatia. That decision was reversed on appeal, and she went on to win all-around gold.

The latest dispute comes as Russia seeks wider readmission to international sport after years of restrictions imposed following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the uncovering of state-sponsored doping at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. The IOC eased restrictions in July, opening a path for Russian athletes to compete in qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.