Lithuania loses right to host modern pentathlon World Cup over restrictions on Russian athletes
The International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) has cancelled a World Cup event planned in Lithuania, as the country will not agree to admit Russian and Belarusian athletes. The Lithuanian federation learned of the decision on 12 October.
Lithuania has lost the right to host a modern pentathlon World Cup event scheduled for 13–17 April. The board of the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) made the decision because Lithuania is not dropping restrictions that bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing. As a result, the country will not stage this international event.
The Lithuanian Modern Pentathlon Federation found out about the cancellation on 12 October, when UIPM sent national federations a call to apply to host the World Cup. The board had made its decision about a week earlier.
The federation's reaction
Federation president Justinas Kinderis said he first felt anger and disappointment, because preparations had already begun and some contracts had been signed with service providers. He added, however, that the decision was not entirely unexpected, as UIPM officials had repeatedly asked how Lithuania planned to accommodate Russian and Belarusian athletes. Kinderis had hoped that the Lithuanian federation's experience in organising international championships and the pentathletes' strong performances would be taken into account.
He noted that Russian and Belarusian athletes would have other opportunities to earn Olympic qualification points, and that the World Cup is not the sport's top-level competition. Officials in Kaunas also criticised the decision, saying the city's sports infrastructure is suitable for hosting international events.
UIPM's reasoning and Lithuania's position
A letter signed by UIPM president Rob Stull says the organisation must follow recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). These state that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be allowed to compete under their national flags and symbols, with equal opportunities to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
In September, Lithuania's Ministry of Education, Science and Sport reiterated that its recommendations had not changed. To take part in competitions in Lithuania, athletes from these countries must sign a declaration condemning military actions and supporting Ukraine, and they may not use their national flags.
