President of the International Boxing Association (IBA) Umar Kremlev When presenting the “Champion” sports and business award within the framework of the sports games of the International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, he spoke about his attitude towards athletes ready to participate in competitions without a national anthem and flag.
— When there was the choice in boxing to stay but to compete under a neutral flag, I said this: either I will stay or I will leave, but the IBA will not exist. I would be ashamed to tell our children that they will perform without a flag or anthem.
Next year, I am sure, this event will be bigger, all the sports federations will be present here. I see many are starting to wake up and no longer sit on the fence, waiting to see which way the wind will blow.
We have a country, Mother Russia, and we should all be in favor of it. I don’t understand those who are ready to play without a flag or anthem. It’s like abandoning your mother. They are not ours, they are traitors – those who left without a flag or anthem. They are ready to leave for money and fame. Is it correct? — a correspondent reports Kremlev’s remarks.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced in December 2023 that it would allow Russian athletes who successfully qualified for the 2024 Olympics to have individual neutral status without a flag, anthem or other national symbol. The IOC also banned the participation of athletes associated with security forces or who have expressed support for the SVO.
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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.
