The Czech Mountaineering Association (ČHS) acknowledges the decision of the World Climbing Federation to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to return to international competitions under neutral status, but disagrees with this move. The association stated this in a statement in response to the decision of the World Climbing Executive Committee.

According to the ČHS, neutral status does not resolve the fundamental ethical and value-related issues associated with Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine and Belarus's support for this aggression. The association warns that allowing athletes to return could lead to the gradual normalization of a situation that cannot be normalized.

The ČHS also stated that it will continue to actively promote its opposition to the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes at meetings of European and global structures and in the upcoming discussion at the World Climbing governing bodies.

The ČHS also points out that the Czech Republic's position has long been based on a clear political and value-based stance towards Russian aggression, including support for the European Union's sanctions regime and an emphasis on limiting official sporting contacts with Russia and Belarus. According to the federation, these principles are also reflected in the approach of state institutions to the holding of international sporting events in the Czech Republic.

When organizing international competitions in the Czech Republic, the ČHS will therefore proceed in accordance with the decisions of the international federation, while at the same time working closely with the relevant state authorities, particularly in the areas of visa policy, security, financing, and official patronage of events. The federation emphasized that without the consent of the state and the fulfillment of all legal and security conditions, the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in events in the Czech Republic cannot be considered automatic.

The Czech Climbing Association stands with Ukraine and considers it important that the international sporting community does not succumb to pressure at a time when the war is still ongoing. We will continue to actively promote the maintenance of restrictions against Russia and Belarus within World Climbing, while respecting the rules and positions of the Czech Republic when organizing international competitions on our territory, the association states at the end of its statement.

Here is the full text i Czech:

horosvaz.cz: Statement on the decision to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to return to international competitions

Report on World Climbing's decision:

Russians can once again compete in international climbing competitions