The head coach of the Russian national rhythmic gymnastics team, Irina Viner, stated that she does not rule out the participation of athletes in the international season of 2025.
“I do not exclude the possibility that Russian gymnasts will compete in 2025 under a neutral status in tournaments organized by the International Gymnastics Federation. In April, the World Cup stages will take place in friendly Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Baku and Tashkent are really looking forward to our wonderful girls and their performances,” Viner told TASS.
On November 20, Viner expressed that she hopes for the return of Russian athletes to international competitions. She noted that her opinion aligns with that of the Minister of Sports of Russia, Mikhail Degtyarev.
The World Cup stages for the 2025 rhythmic gymnastics season will be held in Sofia (April 4-6), Baku (April 18-20), Tashkent (April 25-27), and Milan (July 18-20).
Most Russian sports federations have been under sanctions since 2022. In March 2023, the IOC recommended that international federations allow Russians to compete under a neutral status.