Former WBO middleweight world champion Dmitri Pirog said he would not participate in competitions where Russian symbols are banned.
— I definitely wouldn’t go to the competition (with the ban on Russian symbols), because it’s one thing when you speak for yourself, and another when you realize that you represent your country. I had an experience in Latin America where they couldn’t find the anthem in a competition I won. I didn’t come down to the ring until they came up with the anthem.
A thousand people watched, then the anthem was played and all the foreigners started clapping. Then, for the first time, I realized that they were not speaking for themselves, but for the country. It’s a completely different feeling. After experiencing this, I can say with certainty that I would not have gone (to competitions without national symbols), but I cannot blame other athletes,” Pirog said. Metaratings.ru .
In March 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued recommendations on a possible return of Russians to major competitions. They assume a neutral status, individual access and the absence of contracts with law enforcement and the armed forces. Additionally, all eligible athletes must compete without the flag or national anthem.
Metaratings.ru
Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
