At the same time, functionaries condemned the war in Ukraine
International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) supported admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international sports competitions.
The ITTF reiterates its call for peace and unequivocally condemns the war in Ukraine. The federation expresses its solidarity with the people of Ukraine and will continue to support the Ukrainian table tennis community, making every effort to ensure that all Ukrainian players can participate in table tennis, para table tennis and youth events around the world.”
“The pillar of the Olympic movement remains the autonomy that sports organizations should have. They should be solely responsible for deciding which players can compete in international competitions based on their sporting merit and not on political grounds or because of their passports.”
“Noting this, the Federation supports the admission of players with a Russian or Belarusian passport to international table tennis competitions organized by the ITTF and World Table Tennis, under strict conditions of neutrality.”
“Given the current schedule, if all conditions are met, the earliest players will be able to compete in May. Due to the qualifications for the 2023 World Table Tennis Championship finals, players with Russian and Belarusian passports will not be able to take part in it.”
Earlier it was reported that the IOC recommended the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions in a neutral status. At the same time, teams from Russia and Belarus, as well as athletes who support the war or have a contract with the armies of the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus, are not allowed to participate in the tournaments.
It is noted that the IOC Executive Board did not consider the issue of admitting Russians and Belarusians to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. IOC President Thomas Bach said that the decision will be made no earlier than a year before the start of the Games.
Source: Sportarena
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