Ex-Minister Kolobkov said that the IOC will apologize to Russian sports
Former Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov assessed the conditions for admission of Russians to the 2024 Olympic Games. His comment is quoted by RIA Novosti.
The ex-minister accused the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of showing weakness. “I hope this organization will come to its senses someday and begin to take a more principled position. At the same time, I am sure that there are many strong sports officials there. I’m sure that after some time, if they have a conscience, they will apologize,” he said.
On December 8, the IOC announced the admission of Russians and Belarusians to the Olympics in Paris. The head of the organization, Thomas Bach, stressed that athletes cannot be punished for the actions of their governments.
Six Russians and five Belarusians have currently qualified for the Games. They will be able to take part in the tournament as individual neutral athletes. At the same time, athletes who support a special operation in Ukraine and have connections with the armed forces or security agencies of Russia and Belarus will not get to Paris. Representatives of team sports will also miss the tournament.
Source: Lenta
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