Amidst the ongoing restrictions on Russian athletes, Russia’s Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin has voiced opposition to boycotting the Paris Olympics.
Despite the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) suspension of Russia from the 2024 Games, Matytsin encourages Russian athletes to compete as neutrals, provided they do not endorse the Ukraine conflict.
Matytsin emphasizes the importance of maintaining dialogue and participating in competitions, even as the IOC’s executive commission is set to convene next week without any anticipated changes to their stance.
The decision on the participation of Russian or Belarusian athletes in the opening ceremony is still pending, following their exclusion from the Paralympics’ opening ceremony.
The minister’s remarks have clarified Russia’s position on recommending its athletes for the Paris Olympics, following an unsuccessful appeal against the IOC’s suspension.
With varying policies across international federations, Matytsin acknowledges that uniform recommendations for all athletes are not feasible.
Highlighting the significance of the Olympic Games for Russia, Matytsin calls for a just opportunity for Russian athletes to demonstrate their nation’s sporting prowess.
The stance of Russian President Vladimir Putin remains reserved, advising careful consideration of the conditions for participation.
The IOC’s restrictions require Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals, abstain from supporting the war, and disassociate from military or national security agencies.
Additionally, the display of both countries’ flags and anthems is prohibited at the Games, and government or state officials from Russia and Belarus are not invited.
These measures add to the limitations imposed on Russia’s Olympic involvement due to past doping scandals, which the Kremlin has denied. Despite these challenges, the Russian sports minister advocates for engagement rather than isolation in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
