Athletistic/Others. Russian commentator Dmitry Guberniev commented on the IOC statement, in which the organization condemned Russia for politicizing sport and called on countries not to participate in the Friendship Games.

“Allow us to attend the Olympic Games without any reservations, and the Friendship Games will become superfluous. Bring back the flag and the anthem and we will go to the Olympics with joy.

Obviously, the IOC is aware that our country will have many guests. This will happen at both the BRICS Games and the Friendship Games. The International Olympic Movement is going through difficult times and is concerned about our initiatives. All this can be stopped very simply: allow the Russian team to participate in the Olympic Games without any restrictions on the flag and anthem. We will gladly accept this invitation and prove our strength through victory.

Maybe the IOC is jealous? They feel competition. In any case, there will be enough participants in the Olympics. Of course, the Friendship Games are not a real alternative, they are not the Olympic Games. But in the current situation, we strive to demonstrate our sporting power,” Guberniev noted in an interview with a Sport24 correspondent.

  • IOC: “The Friendship Games are a cynical attempt by Russia to politicize sport”



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