Polish Sports Minister Kamil Bortnichuk has proposed excluding the International Boxing Association (IBA) from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as part of a decision to re-allow Russians and Belarusians to compete in international tournaments .
On Wednesday, the IBA voted for the admission of boxers from Russia and Belarus to competitions under the auspices of the organization, the athletes will compete under the national flag and with the national anthem.
– I was very shocked to learn of the IBA’s decision to lift the sanctions imposed on Russian and Belarusian boxers. The IBA’s decision, effective immediately, means boxers from both countries will be able to compete under their own flags and, if they win a gold medal, will hear the national anthem. This sets an extremely dangerous precedent for everyone in the sport.
I express my deep concern that the IBA’s decision could be the start of a massive effort by Russia to bring its athletes back into international sport.
I urge you all to submit a joint proposal to the IOC in which we will seek the exclusion of the International Boxing Association from the IOC,” Bortnichuk said in a letter quoted by Inside the Games.
He also recalled that the IBA’s decision is contrary to the recommendations of the IOC which, at the end of February, recommended that the federations withdraw athletes from Russia and Belarus because of the conflict in Ukraine.
Previously, the IOC did not include boxing in the competitive program for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Inside the Games
Source : MatchTV
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
