Echoes are still heard of the IOC decision considering the possibility of allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in next year’s Olympic Games under a neutral flag. The sports minister is categorically against this decision and does not rule out the possibility of a boycott of the event.
The International Olympic Committee does not rule out the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris. Previously, the Olympic Council of Asia offered both countries the opportunity to participate in sports competitions on their continent, which may also include participation in Olympic qualifications.
Sports minister loudly protests IOC decision
From the beginning of the war, Poland opposed any sporting rivalry with Russia and Belarus. In an interview with RMF FM, Sports Minister Kamil Bortnichuk did not rule out a boycott of the Games if the IOC finally allowed both countries to compete with everyone.
“I think Ultimatum is the hardest card in the deck, so we’ll take it when we have no other choice. I think we still have so much time that we should give the IOC a chance to introspect,” Bortnichuk said.
Kamil Bortnichuk on Russia’s lack of neutrality
The Minister of Sports stressed that the boycott by Poland and other countries is a last resort, but “they must be ready for this.” He added that, despite the removal of the Russian Olympic Committee from participation in the past Olympics in Tokyo and Beijing, the expected neutrality is not expected.
“We say that the thief passes through the village only once. This emblematic Russian thief has already passed through the Olympic Village at least twice, the first time in Tokyo and the second time in Beijing. Believing that this time everything will be different, the IOC sins with naivety. This team has never been and never will be neutral, said the sports minister.
The Paris Olympic Games are scheduled for the period from July 26 to August 11, 2024. Many qualifying events will take place this year.
Source: Wprost
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