Russian Gymnasts Withdraw From World Challenge Cup in Romania After Flag Ban

By AFP June 26, 2026 Russian gymnast Alexandra Borisova. Artur Novosiltsev / Moskva News Agency Russia's national rhythmic gymnastics team said Friday that it has withdrawn from the World Challenge Cup in Romania, accusing local organizers of violating regulations by banning the display of their national flag and the playing of their anthem. "The Russian rhythmic gymnastics team has decided to withdraw from the Challenge Cup, which is taking place from June 26 to 28 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. This decision is due to serious violations of competition regulations by the organizers," the team said in a statement. "The organizers verbally informed us that the Russian national flag would not be displayed in the sports arena and the national anthem would not be played if the Russian gymnasts won," it added. On Wednesday, the mayor of Cluj-Napoca, Emil Boc, said on social media that Russian state symbols would be barred from the city's BT Arena during the event. "I do not agree that the political symbols of an aggressor state in Europe should be used in a country of the European Union," Boc said. World Gymnastics, the sport's governing body, voted in May to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes under their full national symbols following a four-year ban linked to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia said it is considering legal action to enforce compliance with the global ruling. World Gymnastics did not immediately comment on the Russian team's decision to withdraw from the World Challenge Cup in Romania Read more about: Sports , Romania Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Polish Endurance Cyclist Dies While Trying to Reach Russia’s Coldest Inhabited Settlement Adam Borejko was in the middle of a nearly month-long journey from the city of Yakutsk to the village of Oymyakon in the Arctic Circle. 2 Min read Tennis Star Daniil Medvedev Says He Will Not Give Up Russian Citizenship Several Russian players on the professional tennis circuit have sought to sever formal ties with their home country since the invasion of Ukraine. 1 Min read Romania Condemns Fresh Airspace Breach by Russian Drone Attack on Ukraine Romania's army radars detected a drone that had entered its airspace before it "left the national territory towards Ukraine," Defense Ministry said in... 1 Min read Over 200 Russian Athletes Change ‘Sport Nationality’ to Keep Competing – Reports Israel has welcomed the highest number of athletes over the past year, with 25 former Russian athletes now competing under the Israeli flag. 1 Min read