The Olympics can’t be divisive and exclude athletes, the Worldwide Olympic Committee mentioned on Wednesday, defending their plan to permit Russian and Belarusian athletes to qualify for the Paris 2024 Video games.
In a press release to mark the primary anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24 final 12 months, the IOC mentioned the Video games had a unifying character that promoted peace.
The Olympic physique is going through a mounting backlash after setting out a path final month for athletes from each Russia and Belarus to earn slots for the Olympics via Asian qualifying and to compete as neutrals, with no flags or anthems.
Athletes from these nations had been banned from many worldwide competitions after Russia launched what it calls its “particular navy operation” in Ukraine, however some worldwide federations are actually permitting them again following the IOC steering.
“The Olympic Video games can’t forestall wars and conflicts. Nor can they handle all of the political and social challenges in our world,” the IOC mentioned in a press release.
“That is the realm of politics. However the Olympic Video games can set an instance for a world the place everybody respects the identical guidelines and each other.”
“They will open the door to dialogue and peace-building in ways in which exclusion and division don’t.”
Ukraine and its Japanese European and Baltic neighbors are main the decision for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be banned from Paris so long as Russia’s troops preserve their invasion of Ukraine, which Belarus helped facilitate.
On Monday, greater than 30 nations together with Australia, the US, Britain and France pledged their help for banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from worldwide competitions.
Ukraine has additionally threatened to boycott the Olympics over Russia’s participation.
“Our mission has at all times been to advertise peace via sport. The IOC stays dedicated to this mission to unite your complete world in peaceable competitors to today,” the IOC mentioned.
“Peace-building efforts want dialogue. A contest with athletes who respect the Olympic Constitution can function a catalyst for dialogue, which is at all times a primary step to attaining peace.”
