The head coach of the Russian judo team, Hasanbi Taov, in a conversation with a correspondent, explained the decision of the national team to refuse to go to the Olympic Games in Paris.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday allowed four Russian judokas to compete in the Paris Summer Olympics in neutral status. In total, the Russian team had 12 quotas for participation in the Games – 7 for men and 5 for women. Later, the president of the Russian Judo Federation, Sergei Soloveichik, told that Russian judokas would not participate in the 2024 Games.
— I completely agree with the decision of the Presidium of the Russian Judo Federation. The decision was of course taken jointly. All of our guys who won tickets deserved to go to the Olympics. But it’s not good to travel with an incomplete team. However, we had other goals. Currently, our team is one of the strongest in the world. Recently, our guys proved that they should fight for medals in all weight categories. And allowing one or two athletes to leave is not in line with our objectives. This is not the result we want to achieve.
The IOC simply won’t let us in. We would be happy to go that route. Our entire team has been removed. So we don’t see the point in sending one or two athletes. In general, all the leaders of our team have been removed. Not only in judo. In all sports. It’s unfair on the part of the IOC. So it’s better not to go. Otherwise, next time the IOC might do the same to us. I think our federation’s position is correct.
Understand that this is very difficult. Not only for athletes, but also for managers and coaches. We did a great job… I want to thank our entire team, the Russian Judo Federation for these years. However, a lot of work has been invested. A very difficult situation, very offensive. However, I believe our team will only become stronger for it. We went through very difficult times. We all stayed together and trained. From the first starts after a long break, we showed ourselves and achieved big victories. I want to thank everyone for this. I want the fans to continue to believe in us. Many people express different opinions whether to go or not. And I want the fans, the judo lovers, to continue to support us,” Taov told .
The Paris Summer Games will take place from July 26 to August 11.
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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.
