The transformation of Russia and Belarus into sporting pariahs has continued with a steady stream of sports suspending events and banning athletes after the invasion of Ukraine.
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World Athletics, and the governing bodies of tennis and cycling were among the most significant of those, following the path taken on Monday by football and ice hockey in response to the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee.
The global governing bodies for rowing, skiing (FIS), volleyball (FIVB), triathlon, canoeing and shooting (ISSF) have also banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions until further notice.
However, the likes of newly-minted world No.1 tennis player Daniil Medvedev and his fellow Russian Nikita Mazepin, who drives for Formula One team Haas, will be allowed to compete but only as neutrals, without their countries' names and flags.
FIBA announced Russian teams and officials will not be allowed to participate in their competitions until further notice.
This rubs Russia out of this year's Women's Basketball World Cup to be played in Sydney, with the 12-team draw to be made on Thursday.
The UCI banned Russian and Belarusian teams from races and withdrew all Russian and Belarusian events from the 2022 international calendar.
Additionally, Russia was stripped of hosting the men's world volleyball championship later this year while
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said of the decision to ban athletes, support personnel and officials from Russia and Belarus from events, including this summer's World Championships: "The world is horrified by what Russia has done, aided and abetted by Belarus... Sport has to step up and join these efforts to end this war and restore peace.
"We cannot and should not sit this one out."
The International Tennis Federation, and the respective men's (ATP) and women's organisations (WTA), suspended both countries' federations -- which will prevent Russia defending both the men's Davis Cup and women's Billie Jean King Cup.
The International Paralympic Committee has yet to follow suit for the Beijing Games, which officially open on Friday.
The IPC is meeting on Wednesday to discuss whether to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes with the outcome in doubt.
A 20-strong Ukrainian team is expected to reach China despite the difficulties leaving the country.
Many Russians and Belarusians are also still able to compete at club level in sports such as football and basketball, as are some individuals including cyclists, swimmers, tennis players and motor sport drivers, albeit as neutrals without flags and other national identifiers.
However, shooters in Egypt departed the World Cup rifle/pistol in Cairo and a stand-off in Norway ended when the International Ski Federation came into line with the host nation's directive and excluded Russian and Belarusian cross-country skiers.
The restrictions have drawn sharp criticism from Russia.
"Our country has always adhered to the principle that sport is beyond politics, but we are constantly drawn into the politics, because they understand the importance of sport in the lives of our Russian people," Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, who was stripped of an IOC honour he received for organising the 2014 Sochi Olympics, said on Tuesday at a Sports Ministry meeting.
Australian Associated Press
