In his opinion, Ukraine should be actively involved in the work on the non-admission of athletes
Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling and deputy of the Verkhovna Rada Jean Beleniuk criticized the International Olympic Committee for considering the potential return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to the world stage.
Belenyuk called on the Ukrainian sports community, including the heads of all departments. Also, according to the people’s deputy, a special role in this matter belongs to the current head of the NOC of Ukraine Vadym Gutsait and Serhiy Bubka, who is the representative of Ukraine in the IOC.
“This is not the first statement of its kind. [от МОК]. We understand that the suspension recommendations for Russian and Belarusian athletes were introduced for a year, so the closer we get to the expiration date, we can see “which way the wind blows.”
“They are persistently looking for a solution in any form to allow Russians and Belarusians to participate in international competitions. Now there is a discussion, as I see it, it can simply be in the form of a question and answer, they say, “I comply with all the points of the Olympic Charter, including against war.” That is, globally, without any specifics, for which this or that athlete can be held accountable. This will be an occasion to act on the international arena, and the IOC will then say: “You see, they are for everything good and against everything bad.” In my opinion, it will be something like this.”
“Of course, a tough reaction is needed from Ukraine. We have a representative in the IOC – Sergei Nazarovich Bubka. I think it would be interesting to hear his point of view on such statements and understand what kind of work is being done there.”
You can say for a long time, as a person who has full power in the field of sports in our country – the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the President of the National Olympic Committee – Vadym Gutzeit, writing statements and letters. But we understand that such things do not work that way, direct communication with the representatives who will participate in the voting is necessary here. That is, this is the so-called work in the fields, because letters are letters, and the trend now is definitely not in favor of the position that we need now. After all, since February 24, nothing has changed, as the Russians kill our people, athletes, military, civilians and destroy the sports infrastructure, they continue to do it.”
“I condemn all these statements of the International Olympic Committee. I don’t understand at all how they can act under a neutral flag, which they have stained with the blood of thousands of Ukrainians. How can other athletes perform, not only Ukrainians, stand next to them. I can’t imagine how to shake hands with them… And they stand around Putin at Luzhniki on Russia Day and talk about how strong they are.”
“All these things are not put into the mind of an adequate person. We all hope that they will not be allowed to participate in international sports, but for this a lot of work needs to be done.
The IOC is ready to consider the possibility of admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions. In this case, 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.
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky criticized the IOC for the possible admission of Russians and Belarusians to the Olympic Games-2024. The head of state invited IOC President Thomas Bach to visit Bakhmut. In turn, Bach declared the apolitical nature of the IOC in relation to sports competitions.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmitry Kuleba and the President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine Vadim Gutzeit do not rule out a boycott of the Games by Ukraine if the decision to admit Russian and Belarusian athletes is made. The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine has scheduled an extraordinary General Assembly on February 3 to discuss a potential boycott of the Games.
The Olympic Summit chaired by Bach unanimously agreed to accept the initiative proposed by the Olympic Council of Asia, allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in its competitions. Later, the Asian Olympic Committee officially invited athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in competitions in Asia, including the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Bach’s position was supported by the European Olympic Committees. Following the recommendations of the IOC, the EOC extended sports sanctions against Russian officials and symbols, however, they advocate the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to the international arena.
Source: Sportarena
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