Abkhazia withdraws from upcoming Marathon due to participation of Russian, Belarusian athletes

Sokhumi reconsiders stance after pressure from Georgia

Republic of Dagestan expresses disappointment

The government of Abkhazia has announced that it will not participate in the upcoming Marathon due to the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes. The decision comes after intense pressure from Georgia, which has been protesting the participation of athletes from the two countries due to their ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia that is recognized as an independent state by Russia, had initially planned to send a team to the Marathon. However, after Georgia threatened to boycott the event if Russian and Belarusian athletes were allowed to compete, Abkhazia decided to withdraw.

The Republic of Dagestan, a region of Russia that borders Abkhazia, has expressed disappointment over the decision to withdraw. Dagestan has a strong tradition of participating in the Marathon, and its athletes have won numerous medals over the years.

The decision to withdraw from the Marathon is a significant setback for Abkhazia's international standing. The region has been seeking recognition from the international community for decades, but its participation in the Marathon was seen as a step towards greater acceptance.

The Marathon is one of the world's most prestigious sporting events, and Abkhazia's withdrawal is a major blow to its reputation. The decision is also a reminder of the ongoing conflict between Georgia and Russia, which has been simmering for decades.