Vladimir Putin believes that the Russians will return to international games and compete in the Olympics.
Vladimir Putin wants Russian emblems back in international games. EPA/AOP
Vladimir Putin spoke at the session of the Russian government about the participation of Russian athletes in international games.
With a few exceptions, Russian athletes have been sidelined from international sports competitions since the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine. Recently, however, it has appeared that the International Olympic Committee is seriously considering bringing back Russian athletes so that they can be seen at the next Olympics in 2024.
In March, the IOC proposed that international sports federations can accept Russian and Belarusian athletes who oppose the war started by Russia. At that time, athletes would be allowed to compete with neutral IDs.
At the same time, the IOC added that athletes supporting war efforts would not be allowed to compete. However, the alignment does not apply to the next summer and winter Olympics, for which the IOC will create separate criteria in July of this year at the earliest.
The Russian Olympic Committee immediately rejected the presented criteria and described them as impossible. Putin is also against the IOC’s proposal.
– Our athletes will also participate in international competitions in the future. I don’t know what the international sports leaders, who unfortunately often act against the Olympic spirit, are going to do about it, Putin said, according to the Russian Match TV.
– They only harm the Olympic movement, which should unite people and countries. Especially when there is some kind of conflict involved.
Several IOC member countries have rejected the proposal to restore the competitive status of Russian athletes. Polish Foreign Minister Kamil Bortniczuk has said that a coalition of up to 40 countries is ready to threaten the IOC with an Olympic boycott if the return goes ahead.
Chairman of the Finnish Olympic Committee Jan Vapaavuori could not say in February whether Finland also plans to join the resistance.
Fencing, wrestling and triathlon have shown the green light for the return of Russian athletes from the Olympic sports.