Angelina Melnikova denied visa for world championships in Rotterdam
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 13, 2026, 2:16 PM
Last updated Oct 13, 2026
Russia's Angelina Melnikova and two other gymnasts have been denied visas by the Dutch government ahead of the world championships set to begin on October 17 in Rotterdam. The Russian gymnastics federation condemned the decision, describing it as a deliberate attempt to exclude top gymnasts from competition and a violation of fair Olympic selection. Five additional gymnasts are still awaiting visa decisions. Melnikova expressed her disappointment on social media, calling the situation unfair as it affects their chances for Olympic qualification.
- •Melnikova and two other gymnasts were denied visas due to international relations concerns.
- •The world championships start October 17 in Rotterdam.
- •Five Russian gymnasts are still awaiting visa decisions.
- •The Russian gymnastics federation claims the denial is discriminatory.
- •Melnikova labeled the situation as unfair on her Instagram.
- 3:03 PMYahoo Sports — Olympic champs among 3 Russian gymnasts denied visas for worlds in the Netherlands
- 2:16 PMYahoo Sports — Angelina Melnikova among gymnasts denied visas for world championships
"ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) — The Russian Gymnastics Federation says former Olympic champions Angelina Melnikova and Viktoria Listunova are among three athletes denied visas to enter the Netherlands for the world championships starting on Saturday.Melnikova would have been the defending champion in the women’s all-around in Rotterdam for the week-long worlds that are a team qualifying event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"Russia's best gymnasts won't be at world championships, the first chance for countries to qualify for LA28.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 13, 2026, 3:03 PMOlympic champs among 3 Russian gymnasts denied visas for worlds in the Netherlands
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) — The Russian Gymnastics Federation says former Olympic champions Angelina Melnikova and Viktoria Listunova are among three athletes denied visas to enter the Netherlands for the world championships starting on Saturday.Melnikova would have been the defending champion in the women’s all-around in Rotterdam for the week-long worlds that are a team qualifying event for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
- Yahoo SportsOct 13, 2026, 2:16 PMAngelina Melnikova among gymnasts denied visas for world championships
Russia's best gymnasts won't be at world championships, the first chance for countries to qualify for LA28.
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