Ukraine Could Boycott Paris Olympics If Russian Athletes Take Part
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published January 27, 2023 | 09:10 AM
Paris, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jan, 2023 ) :Ukraine's sports minister warned on Thursday his country could boycott the 2024 Paris Olympics if Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to take part.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Wednesday it was seeking a "pathway" for Russians to take part in the Games despite the invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine's sports minister Vadym Goutzeit said such a move was "unacceptable".
"Our position remains unchanged -- as long as the war continues in Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be in international competitions," Goutzeit wrote on Facebook.
"If we are not heard, I do not exclude the possibility that we will boycott and refuse to participate in the Olympics." Russia and its ally Belarus have been sidelined from most Olympic sports since Russian forces invaded Ukraine last February.
Ignoring calls from Ukraine to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from next year's summer Olympics, the IOC said Wednesday that a way to allow competitors from those countries to take part as neutrals should be "further explored".
The IOC said "no athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport".
Following that announcement, the Olympic Council of Asia on Thursday offered athletes from both countries the chance to compete in this year's Asian Games.
That is a significant move because they could gain qualifying marks in competition in Asia to allow them to compete in Paris.
The IOC's stance was strongly criticised by Britain and Denmark on Thursday.
Britain, which has supplied military and humanitarian support to Ukraine since the invasion began, said the IOC's move was a "world away from the reality of war".
Britain's Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said: "We condemn any action that allows President Putin to legitimise his illegal war in Ukraine.
"This position from the IOC is a world away from the reality of war being felt by the Ukrainian people -- and IOC president (Thomas) Bach's own words less than a year ago where he strongly condemned Russia for breaking the Olympic Truce and urged it to 'give peace a chance'," she added.
The head of Denmark's National Olympic Committee said his country was also strongly opposed to Russia returning to the Olympic fold.
"The Russian aggression in UKR is escalating," Hans Natorp tweeted. "Under these circumstances, it will be unacceptable to open up for RUS and Belarusian international sports participation.
"We stand firmly in our position. Now is not the right time to consider their return." The mayor of Paris said however she was in favour of Russian athletes competing at the 2024 Games, providing they did so as neutrals.
"I think that it's a sporting moment and we shouldn't deprive athletes of the competition," Anne Hidalgo told France 2 television on Thursday.
"But I think and what I'm arguing for, as is a large part of the sporting world, is that there isn't a delegation under the Russian banner." She suggested they compete under a "neutral banner".
Paris organisers have no say on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
The IOC said on Wednesday that the international federation for each Olympic sport was "the sole authority for its international competitions".
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
Law Minister expresses Govt's resolve to address issue of missing persons
Rizwan’s batting order may be changed: Sources
Nawaz Sharif to visit Guangzhou exhibition in China
FM Dar not traveling to China: Foreign Office
PM takes notice of deliberate delay in tax cases
Iranian President visits Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum
Iranian President arrives in Lahore today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 23 April 2024
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
10 hours ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
2 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
2 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
3 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
3 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
3 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
5 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
9 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
9 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
10 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
13 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
15 days ago