British diving team will not be competing at World University Games

British Swimming has confirmed that diving and water polo teams will not be entering the rearranged 2021 World University Games.

The decision has been taken as the International University Sports Federation (FISU) has failed to provide assurances that Russian and Belarusian athletes would be removed from the event.

This year’s World University Games is due to take place in Chengdu, China, between 26 June and 7 July.

A British Swimming statement said: “British Swimming continues to condemn the atrocities being committed on the people of Ukraine following the unwarranted declaration of war by the Russian leadership, supported by the leadership in Belarus – and our support for a ban on Russia and Belarus from all aquatics competition continues.

“At the final entry date for the World University Games, we have not been provided with assurances from the International University Sports Federation (FISU) that Russian and Belarusian delegations will be removed from the 2022 event, which is due to be held in Chengdu, China later this year.

Continued solidarity

“As such, we have taken the decision not to enter British Diving and British Water Polo teams for this event. This is a decision fully and jointly supported by British Swimming and all Home Nations.

“This decision is taken out of our continued solidarity with the people and athletes of Ukraine, and with the safety of our athletes, staff and officials at the forefront of our minds.

“Given the congested nature of the 2022 swimming calendar, the decision had already been made, prior to the war in Ukraine, that Britain would not be sending a swimming team to this year’s World University Games

“We would also like to acknowledge BUCS and their communication, efforts and endeavour to support British Swimming and the Home Nations throughout this process. 

“We look forward to working together for future Games.”