Zhurova called on the IOC and WADA not to call the Friendship Games a political tournament
First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Olympic speed skating champion Svetlana Zhurova appreciated the statements of international organizations about the politicization of the Friendship Games. Her words are quoted by RIA Novosti.
“Let’s say then that participation in all competitions is a political issue, one way or another, athletes from different countries participate in them. Does this mean politics? No, of course not,” she said. Zhurova called on international organizations not to call the Friendship Games a political tournament just because they are taking place in Russia.
The deputy explained that the Friendship Games have a different goal. “We need the Friendship Games, not to demonstrate something to anyone, but so that our athletes who will not go to the Olympics can exercise their right to high-level competitions,” she emphasized.
Earlier, the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, Witold Banka, considered the participation of countries in the Friendship Games a political issue. The International Olympic Committee advised athletes to refuse to participate in the tournament, which they called an initiative aimed at the complete politicization of international sports.
The Friendship Games will be held in September 2024 in Moscow and Yekaterinburg. The tournament will include competitions in 33 summer Olympic and non-Olympic sports.
Source: Lenta
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