The athlete is categorically against the performances of Russians and Belarusians even under a neutral flag.
/strong> sent a letter to the International Judo Federation (IJF) in which he asked to strip him of all the titles he won during his career.
“Someone may say that someone forced me. Listen, you can you imagine what it means to give up everything that I have won for 25 years? Only my inner feeling, the cry of my soul and the desire to help my country can make me take such a step. If my medals in any way help to save even one life, I am very grateful: Awards – nothing compared to human life,” said Zantaraya.
Zantaraya is the first judo world champion in the history of Ukraine. In total, he has six world championship medals. He also has two European Games awards, three European Championship medals and more than 20 Masters, Grand Slam and Grand Prix tournament awards.
Recall that on February 24, Russian President Putin made an urgent statement on conducting a special military operation territory of Ukraine, starting a large-scale invasion of Ukrainian cities.
On March 2, the International Judo Federation announced that Russian athletes will be able to compete in international competitions under the organization's flag. On March 14, the press service of the Russian Judo Federation reported that Russian judokas had suspended their performances in competitions under the auspices of the IJF and the European Judo Union.
On June 11, it became known that Russian athletes had registered to participate in the Judo Grand Slam tournament in Ulaanbaatar, and were soon allowed to qualify for the Olympics.
Read also: The International Judo Federation removed Putin and Rotenberg from positions in the organization
Earlier it was reported that the judo federation of Ukraine refused all international tournaments due to the admission of Russians.
