Judo federation backs Russia for Rio, hits out at 'Cold War'

The International Judo Federation (IJF) on Thursday threw its support behind Russia's hopes of taking part in the Olympics despite the country facing a blanket ban over state-backed doping.

The IJF's statement, which likened the controversy to Cold War politics, came on the day that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) denied an appeal by Russian track and field athletes for Rio reinstatement.

That in turn could lead to a complete ban for the entire Russian contingent at the Games which get under way on August 5.

"We support all these clean athletes and we hope that they will be present in the Olympic Games of Rio de Janeiro 2016," said IJF president Marius Vizer.

"From a Judo perspective, the presence of Russian athletes is very important, as the Russian Judo Federation is a prominent member of the International Judo Federation, with a notable contribution to the development of judo, Russian judo playing a great role in the history of our sport.

"We believe that the Olympic Games should give a message of unity and solidarity, to all the athletes and all the people of the world.

"We hope that by allowing participation of Russian athletes in Rio 2016, we will send out a positive message to all the young people who deserve to be given examples of friendship instead of examples of Cold War."