Sports & Politics

I’ve been getting, for one reason or the other, several inquiries about my stance on current political issues around international buhurt tournaments. Instead of private conversations, or in addition, I thought I would share these views publicly. These views are my own, although I do recognize my position as a president of Medieval Combat Sport Finland (MCSF) and the responsibilities it brings.

 
A commonly shared view by MCSF board on the war was published earlier and can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/medievalcombatsportfinland/posts/3273358699597259

Firstly, to start with some basics for those readers furthest from the sport. There are basically two recognized international buhurt roof organizations. Let’s just call them HMBIA and IMCF for short now. The two of the organizations are very different, in many ways, and they are not in very good relationships, to be honest. Both organizations have their pros and cons, and someone might prefer one and some other. The Finnish sports organization for buhurt, MCSF, is staying neutral with the two. We don’t want to choose, there’s plenty of room and possibilities for both.

Now due to HMBIA background and financials, HMBIA buhurt world championships in Romania this year were canceled by the host city. Furthermore, International Olympic Committee has recommended no participation of Russian or Belarusian athletes and officials. All this is naturally causing an awful lot of mess, discussions, and hassle. And I guess everyone is asking everyone for their opinions and views. So let’s continue on my attempt to share mine.

—

Firstly, it’s a huge loss for the sport that the championships in Romania were canceled. The sports community has been lacking for high-level competitions due to Covid19 already, and being stripped yet again of the possibility to compete is a disaster. From my personal point of view, I haven’t competed since 2018, as I suffered a knee injury in 2019, then followed the pandemic, followed by war…

The Finnish organization representing buhurt sport, Medieval Combat Sport Finland, is a partner member of Finnish Olympic Committee, which is part of the International Olympic Committee - and thus we follow and honor their guidelines and recommendations. In practice, this means we'll follow whatever limitations or restrictions they suggest.

I am aware of opinions that sports should not be mixed by politics. But with all due respect, and I don’t mean any offense, it’s a naive opinion. Sports is, always has been, and always will be, tied to politics whether we want it or not. Loosely, yes, but still tied. And it’s all happening in the same world we live in. I feel frustrated when someone says that this is just sports, it has nothing to do with the war. It’s just like saying, this is just business, it has nothing to do with war. Everything is linked of course.

 
This war situation is very serious, most of us acknowledge that, and there are people and organizations who do everything in their power to steer the conflict back, and achieve peace and freedom in Ukraine as soon as possible. The Olympic Committee is one of these organizations, and I understand their stance. With the current media blockade too many people do not even know what’s happening in Ukraine. They have been stripped of their chances to see and hear, to make their own judgment. And those kinds of efforts, boycotts, and restrictions, on their small part, try to increase awareness. Why? Because everyone knows that most of the people would not approve of what’s happening, most of the people want peace, and if they see the reality they take action.

HMBIA is suffering collateral damage as a result of good intentions and a bigger goal. Just like, for example, thousands of businesses here in Finland suffer from the ongoing sanctions. People are losing their livelihood as they have been dependent on business with our beloved neighbor. They are suffering collateral damage, in the name of the greater good, until the problem is fixed. HMBIA, being taken away from its crown jewel, the world championships, is paying a heavy price just because Putin decided to invade Ukraine, and insists on continuing doing that. We, buhurtists, suffer also, as yet again we cannot meet and compete with our international friends all over the world. It sucks. As soon as the conflict is over, which is hopefully sooner than later, we hopefully have HMBIA continuing the development and the work on their next buhurt world championships.

What we must remember is that the people are not the same as the government, we should remember individuals are individuals, our friends remain friends, no matter what nationality. Likewise, I hope that my Russian friends remember that I’m their friend despite our country taking part in the sanctions and because I don’t approve of their president. On the other hand, I would encourage also not to victimize oneself, the world is not there to get you, it’s out there to stop the war.

So to conclude this already too long wall of text, I would highlight there are two things I really don’t tolerate. 1) If, after having access to trustworthy objective information about what is currently ongoing in Ukraine you still support the war. Then you and I are too different and we shall walk our own ways. 2) If you generalize the cause of the war to Russian people in general and spread your unjustified hate. Then you are part of the problem, not the solution.

But all in all, regarding buhurt, I think our shared goal and focus should now be how to END the war and how to proceed with our sport AFTER that, not just to plan how to live with the war.