The decision has been made to withdraw the Great Britain squad from the upcoming IJF Kazan Grand Slam due to take place in Russia between 5^th-7^th May.

The squad travelled to Holland earlier this week to undertake a two-week training camp in Papendal, before heading on to Russia.

When departing the UK, all fighters returned a negative test however, upon arrival into Holland, two fighters returned a positive test and the decision was made, as per GOV guidance, that the team have had to go into isolation.

The fighters and staff are bearing up well, despite what is a most difficult time in having to be restricted to their rooms on the site of Papendal, the NED Olympic Training Centre, which has not only resulted in having to withdraw from Kazan, but also having to miss invaluable time on the mat by missing the training camp. The team though, are being very well looked after and supported by the staff in Papendal and GB’s CMO and Covid Officer are in direct contact with the Dutch Covid Officer to ensure our team gets the best possible care.

Subject to factually incorrect reports on external “sites”, all fighters and staff had full VISAs ready to travel to Russia, but had to travel to the Netherlands first as an indirect route into the country for the competition.

All fighters will be subjected to further tests before travelling back to the UK to undertake a period of isolation.

We are sure you will join us in wishing the team a clean bill of health and a safe return to the country.