Team Russia no longer competing in Tel Aviv Maccabiah Games

Jewish athletes from Russia and Belarus who have made aliyah to Israel will still be able to compete at the Maccabiah Games as the “Olim” [Aliyah immigrants] delegation under a special flag.

In a statement, the Maccabiah Games said: “The 21st Maccabiah will host delegations from about 60 countries, Russia not being one of them, following Maccabi Russia's decision to withdraw from the games.

“Jewish athletes that made Aliyah from Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ukraine, United State and other countries and became Israeli citizens will compete under an "Olim" delegation under a special flag with no association to Russia and the Russian flag.”

The games are thought to be the third-biggest mass games in the world, with over 10,000 athletes competing in the most recent round, held in Jerusalem in 2017.

The competition was due to take place in 2021, but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The games will now take place from 12th-26th July.