Russian-led ISSF bans shooters from Russia, Belarus over Ukraine invasion
Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) has banned shooters from Russia and Belarus from all its events owing to the invasion of Ukraine that has triggered global outrage. The decision came even as a World Cup takes place in Cairo, Egypt, where Russian shooters were competing till Tuesday. The statement from ISSF now indicates that they may no longer be able to continue in the event. "Following the respective decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board and a meeting with the IOC President, the ISSF decided that athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus will not be allowed to take part in ISSF Championships," the ISSF said. "This decision entered into force at 16.00 CET (8.30pm IST) on March 1, 2022 and is valid until upon further notice," it added. Incidentally, the ISSF is currently headed by a Russian duo -- billionaire president Vladimir Lisin, who is one of the richest men in Russia, and secretary general Alexander Ratner. The move is in line with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) directive to push dozens of sports governing bodies to exclude Russian athletes and officials from international events.
