When politicos go to war, sport takes a big hit

President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine will surely impact Russian sports for several years. If one thinks suspension from international sports leagues and barring its teams and performers from participating in mega-events will suddenly change Putin’s heart --then you’re definitely mistaken!

Do you think after this brazen invasion, Putin didn’t see these sanctions coming? This is not the first time sanctions have been imposed. And it would be naive for anyone to think sports and international politics don’t mix. Sadly, it does...but not in an ideal world though as there would never be any need to blend sports with political machinations or the horrors of war.

Let me remind you that even Germany was banned from the Olympics after the world wars. None can forget South Africa’s apartheid system which led to its ban from the Olympics in 1964. The US boycotted the 1980 Moscow Games as retribution for the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. So there’s nothing new here of course.

But do sanctions and boycotts have the desired impact? Unfortunately, these boycotts did not contribute to the end of apartheid in South Africa or the exit of the former Soviet Union from Afghanistan either. 

But the scale on which the sanctions have been imposed this time is a deep matter of concern for Russian athletes. There are several impediments a country inevitably faces after these sweeping sanctions- athletic capabilities go for a toss, economic uncertainty glooms, ticket sales take the downward spiral, and there is zero access to international talent. Apart from creating social and economic pressures, sportspersons will also have to bear the brunt of exclusion and will never be able to match up with international standards if sanctions last too long.

Russia can of course bypass this isolation by launching its own Olympic-style competition if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ban remains in effect heading into the 2024 Paris Games.

It has been suspended from competing in football, formula one, rugby, basketball, figure skating, and handball among many other sports. The most high-profile sanctions are in football. After FIFA and UEFA suspended all Russian clubs and national teams, their men’s team was barred from playing a World Cup play-off game. It means they will not be able to participate in one of the biggest and largest events - FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Also, Champions League final, which was due to be played in St Petersburg on 28 May, has been moved to Paris.

Now, Wimbledon contemplates banning world no.2 Daniil Medvedev over fears that a Russian victory could bolster Vladimir Putin’s regime. English Premier League lately disqualified Roman Abramovich as a director of Chelsea because of his alleged ties with Putin. Also, the club’s assets were frozen by the UK government. European Union imposed sanctions targeting Putin’s close allies. There is no outside chance of escaping the sanctions whether individual or team sport, with associations leaving no stone unturned.

There is an opinion that Russian players, who want to participate in individual sports (of course without the country’s flag and anthem) should speak out against Putin’s regime. The big question is will they?

Russia is swiftly being reduced to the status of an international sporting pariah. Almost all its athletes are supporting peace but that’s not affecting a headstrong Putin who’s all set to move forward with his assault plans no matter what happens.

Sports lovers in Russia and across the world are paying a massive price for Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine, leaving future generations to cope with this loss.