Ukraine’s Appeal Heard, IOC Announces Strong Call Against Russia and Belarus at Paris Olympics 2024

As the world eagerly awaits the 2024 Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announces a concerning update. Amidst the ongoing conflict, the organization has taken a firm stance. They have declared that Russia & Belarus will not be given formal invitations to participate in the games. This decision comes in response to their continued aggression towards Ukraine. 

The news broke through their official website and has shaken up the sports world. It showcases a significant departure from the traditional invitation process. With their eyes on the bigger picture, the IOC aims to maintain the International Games’ integrity while making a powerful statement about the consequences of aggression. This announcement has intrigued athletes and fans about the impact this decision will have on the upcoming Games. But wait, there is still hope for the Russian and Belarus athletes to be a part of the upcoming Olympics.

Would Russians and Belarus be participating in the 2024 Olympics?

Throughout history, there have been instances where certain countries were excluded from the Olympic Games due to various reasons. South Africa faced exclusion in the 1970s and 80s due to apartheid and United Nations sanctions. And this time, Russia and Belarus. Despite the calls from 35 major countries for a complete ban on Russia & Belarus’s entry into the Paris Olympics. This decision has been taken regardless of what other nations demand. This final verdict safeguards the integrity of the Olympics Games. 

According to ESPN, In a statement, the IOC mentioned that invitations to Paris would be sent to 203 eligible National Committees on July 26, excluding the NOCs of Russia and Belarus, along with the suspended NOC of Guatemala. However, talented athletes still have a chance to compete in the upcoming Olympics. This means as an individual athlete holding passports from these countries they can compete in the 2024 Paris games. 

Read More: Head of Olympics Confirms Paris Will Be the “Safest Place in the World” During 2024 Games

On 13th July 2023, the committee wrote, “The IOC will take this decision at the appropriate time, at its full discretion, and without being bound by the results of previous Olympic qualification competitions”. This decision is independent of previous Olympic qualification results, reflecting the committee’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Games. The IOC’s decision reflects a delicate balancing act, addressing concerns about aggression and maintaining the spirit of the Games.

The IOC’s Stance and Exemptions

The consideration of allowing individual athletes to compete as “individual neutral athletes” has sparked controversy. It has prompted the Ukrainian government to contemplate boycotting competitions involving Russian & Belarusian participants in the Olympics. Ukraine’s sports minister, Vadym Guttsait, expressed concerns about Russian athletes supporting the war and attending events in its favour, showcasing that Ukraine’s appeal has been heard.

Following this, Russia has objected to the IOC’s recommendations and called them discriminatory. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin person says, “Such recommendations containing elements of discrimination are unacceptable, and Russia will vigorously defend the interests of its athletes.”

Furthermore, the committee has already made this clear “In order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants, the IOC EB recommends that International Sports Federations and sports event organisers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.” As the Olympics approach, the world watches with anticipation to see how this decision will shape the dynamics of the Games.

Watch This Story: Formula One Takes a clear stand on Russia amidst Ukraine invasion