2023-12-08 18:40:00
Russian and Belarusian athletes have been given the green light to participate in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris 2024. The decision was made by the Olympic Committee, allowing the athletes to compete without their national flags, symbols, or anthems and only under the condition that they do not express support for the war in Ukraine.
The approval comes after the suspension of athletes from both countries due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year. The Olympic Committee has gradually decided to allow them to return to activity, albeit as neutrals. However, the heads of state of Russia and Belarus will not be permitted to attend the games.
Out of the 4,600 athletes who have qualified for the Paris games, eight are Russian and three are Belarusian. They will need to meet the international criteria with less than a year left until the games. While Russia sent 335 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics, it is estimated that only around a dozen of them may participate in the upcoming games in Paris.
On the other hand, over 60 Ukrainian athletes are expected to compete in Paris, as a total of about 11,000 participants will take part in the global sports event. The decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate as neutrals is a step towards inclusivity while maintaining a stance against political turmoil.
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