The mayor of Oslo calls for Russian athletes to be excluded from the winter competitions in Holmenkollen, against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine

Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe has called for Russian athletes to be banned from participating in the World Cup winter sports events at Holmenkollen this season, as Russia continues its war against Ukraine.

The request comes after the International Ski Federation (FIS) relaxed its rules and allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag. Holmenkollen hosts biathlon, ski jumping, cross-country skiing and Nordic combined events.

“As long as Russia continues its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, Russian athletes must not be at the starting line at Holmenkollen,” Lindboe said at a press conference, according to VG, cited by dpa and Agerpres.

The mayor stressed that the FIS decision does not oblige the Norwegian government to accept the participation of Russian athletes in competitions held in the country. She noted that Ukrainians are fighting for the freedom and future of their country.

Norway also hosts World Cup events in Trondheim, Kvitfjell, Drammen, Lillehammer and Vikersund.