Now Reading: Russia barred from four IIHF world hockey tournaments in 2027
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Russia barred from four IIHF world hockey tournaments in 2027
The International Ice Hockey Federation has barred Russia from four world championship tournaments in 2027, citing ongoing safety, security, and sporting integrity concerns. The affected events are the world junior championships, the…
The Story in Brief
The International Ice Hockey Federation has barred Russia from four world championship tournaments in 2027, citing ongoing safety, security, and sporting integrity concerns. The affected events are the world junior championships, the men's world championship, and the under-18 men's and women's tournaments. A decision on the women's worlds will be made in November, Sportstar reports.
Russia has been banned from IIHF competitions since its war in Ukraine began in February 2022. The International Olympic Committee earlier this month provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, but Russia remains excluded from team Olympic sports. The NHL, which organises the 2028 World Cup of Hockey with the players' union, has said it will follow the lead of the IIHF and IOC on Russian participation.
The Indian Opinion
The IIHF's continued ban, citing safety and integrity, shows how sport remains entangled in geopolitics long after the initial shock of war. Some will call it necessary isolation; others, a double standard when the IOC has provisionally lifted its suspension of Russia's Olympic committee. The real test comes when the NHL decides on Russian participation in the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. Will it follow the IIHF or the IOC? That choice will reveal which principle, safety or inclusion, actually governs global sport.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
