The situation is becoming clearer regarding Afghanistan and its participation in the next Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On Tuesday, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) Executive Board received a full report on the Olympic and Sports Movement in this country, led since 2021 by the Taliban. A ban could be decided against its sportsmen and women.
At the end of its second day of meeting, this commission expressed its “serious concern” and “strongly condemned” the latest restrictions imposed by the Afghan authorities on women and girls in Afghanistan. The IOC repeats that the latter are prevented from practicing a sport, and this “despite the repeated commitments of the Afghan NOC and its sports authorities to ensure full respect for the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principle of non-discrimination”, which consists in particular to send mixed teams to international sports competitions.
The Executive Board urges the relevant Afghan authorities in Afghanistan, including the NOC and the General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, to “take immediate action at the highest level to reverse these restrictions and ensure safe access to sport for women and girls in the country. »
If progress on “the fundamental issue of safe access to sport for women and girls in the country” is not seen, then Afghanistan may not be allowed to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics .
The IOC’s request is clear: Afghan teams taking part in international sports competitions must not only include female athletes living abroad, but also those living in the country itself. Women must also be present among the members of the governing bodies and at all levels of their management and administration.
The IOC also advises that support will continue to be provided to Afghan athletes, where possible and through Olympic Solidarity scholarships, to help them prepare.