Athletistic / Combat. First Vice President of the Russian Wrestling Federation (FSBR) Varteres Samurgashev reacted to the resounding decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) not to allow two-time Russian Olympic champion Abdulrashid Sadulayev to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France). On April 4, the IOC did not allow Sadulayev to submit an application for participation in the licensed Olympic tournament in Baku (Azerbaijan).

“It’s completely absurd! The IOC is discrediting itself – there are no longer any Olympic and sporting principles. They are showing through their actions that they are committing suicide. Everyone can see that the next Olympic Games in Paris will take place without transparent selection, and therefore without the strongest athletes.

Abdulrashid’s exclusion from the Games is a loss for everyone, including those who will compete in Paris. The inferiority of victory will haunt them all their lives.

I would like to express words of support to Sadulayev. Abdulrashid behaves very well. Political games don’t bother him, he does what he likes, what deserves respect. I have no pity for him. It’s quite the opposite: I only feel pride for him,” Samurgashev said, as quoted by Match TV.

Earlier, FSBR President Mikhail Mamiashvili said the federation would challenge the IOC’s decision not to allow Abdulrashid Sadulayev to participate in the qualifying tournament in Baku.

For the first time, Sadulayev became Olympic champion at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and five years later he repeated his success at the 2020 Olympic Games and in Tokyo. Note that the 27-year-old Russian has five gold medals at the World Championships.



Athletistic