The Ukrainian champion reminded that many countries could boycott the 2024 Olympics
WBA world bantamweight champion Ukrainian Artem Dalakyan turned to IOC Executive Board and organization president Thomas Bach.
“Dear members of the IOC Executive Board, dear Mr. President Thomas Bach, I call on the IOC to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing and strongly condemn Russian aggression against my people.”
“The silence of the athletes is support for the aggressive actions of their government, which kills civilians, so they have no right to compete on international sports grounds. Many countries will be forced to boycott the Olympics if Russian and Belarusian athletes take part in the Games.”
“The IOC has always been out of political action, but in times of war it is impossible to be an outsider and indifferent to murder. The IOC, as an ambassador for peace, can make it clear that it is impossible to act with impunity in the civilized world.”
In his last fight, Dalakyan defeated Costa Rican David Jimenez and defended the WBA championship belt.
Recall that the IOC is ready to consider the possibility of admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions. At the same time, everyone who wishes will be required to act in a neutral status. Also, athletes should not support the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and pass a mandatory doping test.
The Olympic Summit, chaired by IOC President Thomas Bach, unanimously agreed to accept an initiative proposed by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in its competitions. The OCA is developing a special system that will allow Russians to qualify for the Olympics through Asian competitions.
The IOC believes that a complete ban on the performance of Russian and Belarusian athletes is discrimination and is contrary to the Olympic Charter. The organizers of the 2024 Olympics in Paris said they would adhere to the decision of the International Olympic Committee to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete under a neutral flag.
Source: Sportarena
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