Maria Paseka, a multiple Olympic medalist, called the Netherlands' refusal to issue visas to…

Maria Paseka, a multiple Olympic medalist, called the Netherlands' refusal to issue visas to Russian gymnasts for the World Championships in Rotterdam 'obscurantism' in an interview with Match TV. Earlier, the Russian Gymnastics Federation reported that Angelina Melnikova, Viktoria Listunova, and Anna Kalmykova were denied visas.

Paseka emphasized that sport should remain apolitical and that the visa denial was not about the athletes' talent but other reasons. She recalled a similar situation at the 2016 Rio Olympics when it was uncertain if they would compete. Paseka encouraged the gymnasts not to be upset and to see this as an opportunity to prepare for future important competitions, including the Olympics, where they aim to win gold.