Melnikova and Listunova named for worlds as Russian team awaits visas

Angelina Melnikova and Viktoria Listunova have been named in Russia’s squad for the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam. The Russian federation said on October 9 that the team had not yet received visas and issuance dates remained unknown.

The championships run from October 17 to 25 and form part of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The women’s entry includes Melnikova, Listunova, Anna Kalmykova, Lyudmila Roshchina and Alyona Glotova, with Milana Kayumova as reserve.

The men’s team comprises Arseny Dukhno, Daniel Marinov, Ilya Zaika, Savely Syedin and Sergey Naidin. Mukhammadzhon Yakubov is the reserve. Six athletes are entered in each group, including reserves.

Valentina Rodionenko told RIA Novosti the previous day that the visa situation had not changed. The federation now confirms the gymnasts appear on World Gymnastics’ official lists, but entry documents remain unresolved. An entry alone does not guarantee participation.

World Gymnastics’ executive committee allowed Russians to compete with their national flag and anthem on May 17. In July it clarified that exceptions could apply to previously approved events where local authorities impose restrictions. That general decision therefore does not automatically confirm the competition arrangements in Rotterdam.