FINA Cancels World Junior Swimming Championships In Russia

The world swimming organization FINA has canceled the world junior swimming championship at the end of August 2022 in Kazan, Russia, because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo: ANTARA/AFP/CHARLY TRIBALLEAU)

JAKARTA - The world swimming federation FINA has canceled the World Junior Swimming Championships which was originally scheduled to take place in Kazan, Russia, at the end of August, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

FINA said it had made the decision to cancel the biennial event after consultation with athletes and stakeholders.

"FINA will not hold an event in Russia if this great crisis continues," the swimming world body added.

The Swiss-based organization added that it would provide any practical support to members of the aquatic sports family affected by the Russian invasion which began last Thursday and was immediately condemned by global sporting bodies.

Last Friday FINA had canceled the men's water polo World League match at St. Petersburg, Russia, next month, while the World Series of Artistic Swimming and Diving scheduled for April in Kazan has also been canceled.

Australia's national swimming federation welcomes FINA's decision and will not send teams to any swimming events being held in Russia, including the short distance world championships next December.

"Swimming Australia strongly condemns the actions of the Russian government and is appalled by the developments in Ukraine," the federation said.

Australian Swimming Chair Eugenie Buckley said the federation's boycott was based on purely safety reasons.

"We also want FINA to consider moving these events to alternative locations so that our swimmers have the opportunity to compete in a safe environment," he said of the cancellation of the FINA Junior Championships in Russia.