Previously, the IOC introduced a flag and anthem for neutral individual athletes
Acting Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Matvey Bedny commented on the decision of the International Olympic Committee not to invite athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the opening ceremony of the upcoming Olympic Games 2024.
“The IOC rightly banned Russians from participating in the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games. The IOC has made it clear that Russia has no place in international sport. In Russia, sport and athletes are used as a tool of hybrid war against the civilized world, so the IOC’s decision was expected.”
“A passport is an agreement that a person agrees with the policies of the state, therefore Russian citizens cannot be “neutral.” Those who condemn the actions of the Russian dictator renounce Russian sports citizenship. The IOC has made all the conditions for this.”
Currently, 19 athletes in neutral status have qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games – 12 representatives of Russia and 7 of Belarus. According to expert forecasts, no more than 36 Russians and 22 Belarusians in a neutral status will be able to enter the Olympic Games in Paris.
Representatives of Russia and Belarus, declared neutral for the Olympics, were denied participation in the traditional parade at the opening ceremony of the Games. The IOC also presented flag And hymn for neutral individual athletes. Another protocol decision of the IOC Executive Committee concerns medals earned by neutral athletes – they will not be displayed in the official medal table.
Let us recall that at the beginning of December 2023, the IOC Executive Committee decided to admit participants from Russia and Belarus in the status of “individual neutral athletes” to the 2024 Olympic Games. This decision has been repeatedly criticized by various authorities in Ukraine and abroad.
The 2024 Olympic Games will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11.
Source: Sportarena
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