“The IOC selection procedure is discriminatory for our athletes” – Pavel Kolobkov

Former Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation and Olympic fencing champion Pavel Kolobkov told that the selection procedure for the 2024 Olympic Games, used by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), is discriminatory against Russian athletes.

On Friday, the IOC allowed four Russian judokas to compete in the 2024 Olympics in neutral status. In total, the Russian team had 12 quotas for participation in the Games – 7 men and 5 women. Later, the president of the Russian Judo Federation, Sergei Soloveichik, told that Russian judokas would not participate in the 2024 Games.

— I hope that the position of the Russian Judo Federation was supported by all athletes. It is very important. At the same time, we see a violation of the sporting principle on the part of the IOC. This is why I respect the position of our federation. Of course, I feel sorry for the athletes who will not be able to participate in the Olympic Games. They could win prizes there. And just participating in such competitions is very important for any athlete.

The International Olympic Committee’s selection procedure for our athletes is discriminatory in itself. Laying out requirements from the start, confirming criteria, setting quotas which deviate from usual practices already constitutes discrimination. So there is no point in discussing anything further.

I repeat, I respect FDR’s position. But I hope it will be supported by the whole team. In this regard, I understand the position of all the refused federations. For example, I understand the position of the Russian Fencing Federation when leading athletes are not allowed to participate in the Olympics, but weaker ones are obviously allowed. However, in many federations we have a sense of teamwork, of solidarity between all athletes,” Kolobkov told .

The Paris Olympic Games will be held from July 26 to August 11.

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