The actions of the IOC are contrary to the ideals and principles of the Olympic Games
Volleyball Federation of Ukraine (HLF) encouraged International Olympic Committee (IOC) to refuse the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions.
In its statement, the HLF appeals to the IOC regarding the observance of the Olympic principles. The Federation focuses on the fact that none of the Russian athletes spoke out against the military invasion of Ukraine. The full appeal of the HLF can be read here.
“The Volleyball Federation of Ukraine considers unacceptable the attempts of the members of the executive board of the International Olympic Committee to revise the recommendations on the removal of Russians and Belarusians from participation in the Olympic Games. In those days when hundreds of Ukrainians die from Russian weapons every day throughout the year, an attempt is being made to equalize the killer and the victim before our eyes. During all this time, not a single one of the current or potential Russian Olympians has condemned the acts of aggression unprecedented for the 21st century by their rulers and troops. Moreover, the participation of the winners and prize-winners of the XXIV Olympic Winter Games in the propaganda action at the stadium in Luzhniki, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, urged ordinary Russians to support the war in every possible way.
“For the 12th month now, the Russian Federation, with the support of Belarusian allies, has been carrying out constant rocket and artillery attacks on the civilian infrastructure of Ukrainian cities, which makes it impossible for the citizens of our state to have a normal life, not to mention sports. Instead of training, Ukrainian athletes are forced to sit in bomb shelters, forced to emigrate, leaving their homes and wealth, or take up arms to defend their native land from the encroachments of the invaders. Hundreds of representatives of Ukrainian sports put their lives on the altar of this fight. Not because they were belligerent or demanded someone else’s, but because they defended their own. These people will never be brought back, participation in the Olympics, the World Games and other competitions has been taken away from them forever.”
Recall that 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 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. It is also planned to award Asian athletes with separate medals if representatives of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus win the event.
The NOC of Ukraine will hold an online conference on February 3. During the meeting, the issue of a possible boycott by Ukraine of the 2024 Olympic Games will be discussed, to which representatives of the Russian Federation and Belarus under a neutral flag may be admitted.
Ex-world heavyweight champion Volodymyr Klitschko, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling and Verkhovna Rada deputy Jean Beleniuk, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba criticized the IOC and the head of the organization Thomas Bach. However, the IOC does not plan to consider all applications regarding the return of athletes from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus to the Olympic Games-2024.
Source: Sportarena
I’m Todderic Kirkman, a journalist and author for athletistic. I specialize in covering all news related to sports, ranging from basketball to football and everything in between. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have become an invaluable asset to my team. My ambition is to bring the most up-to-date information on sports topics around the world.
