The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Saturday that 25 athletes from Russia and Belarus have been included on an initial list of Individual Neutral Athletes eligible to compete in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
This list comprises 14 Russian and 11 Belarusian athletes who may participate under a neutral flag, following ongoing debates over their countries’ involvement in international sports amid geopolitical tensions.
The IOC’s decision comes after months of deliberations regarding the status of athletes from the two nations, given the international response to the conflict in Ukraine. While the athletes have been granted eligibility to compete, they will do so without national symbols, anthems, or flags, adhering to the IOC’s guidelines for neutral athletes.
In response to the announcement, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the IOC’s decision, labeling the suspension measures as “wrongful, unjust, and unacceptable.” The Ministry stated that the restrictions not only affect the athletes but also undermine the spirit of international sportsmanship and the Olympic movement.
The inclusion of these athletes as neutrals aims to uphold the Olympic Charter’s principles of separating sports from politics, allowing individuals to compete regardless of their nationality. However, the move has elicited mixed reactions from the global community, with some stakeholders expressing concerns over fairness and the implications for international relations.
As the Paris Olympics draw nearer, the situation remains dynamic. The IOC has emphasized its commitment to monitoring the circumstances and ensuring that the Games promote unity and respect among all participants.
Reference(s):
IOC: 25 Russian, Belarusian athletes eligible as neutrals for Olympics
cgtn.com
