IOC hits back at Vladimir Putin following Russian President’s claim of “ethnic discrimination” over Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has now fired back at the claims of Vladimir Putin and defended themselves through a statement regarding the exclusion of athletes from the games.

IOC hits back at Vladimir Putin following Russian President’s claim of “ethnic discrimination” over Olympics

Thomas Bach (L) and Vladimir Putin (R) [Pic Credit: Reuters]

Following his comments against the International Olympic Committee (IOC) this week, the body has now fired back at Vladimir Putin. The IOC has rejected and hit back at his claims of “ethnic discrimination” against athletes excluded from the Olympics.

Ever since the international tensions between Russia and Ukraine ignited, several measures against Putin’s country have been taken. One of the major steps taken was the ban of Russian athletes in International sporting events. The IOC has since then revised plans to allow these athletes to compete on the big stage as neutrals.

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While the IOC received huge flak from the international community for allowing them (Russian athletes) to return as neutrals, their recent move has once again shocked the world. The executive board recently suspended the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) for violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

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We firmly reject the accusations being made that these measures are an 'ethnic discrimination. They are a reaction to the breach of the Olympic Charter by the Russian and Belarusian governments.
The IOC said in a statement

IOC clarifies Vladimir Putin’s point of not sending invitations to Russian athletes

The relationship between the IOC and Russia has declined since its invasion of Ukraine. This has led to them not sending invitations to the Russian country. Vladimir Putin expressed his displeasure with this move and called out the IOC. The governing body has now clarified this development.

As per the Olympic rules, the body sends invitations to the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) one year prior to the event. Since the political tensions between the two countries, the future of Russian athletes has been left hanging. They have now given their answer on why Russian athletes have not received invitations.

Thomas Bach and Vladimir Putin
IOC President Thomas Bach (L) and Vladimir Putin (R) [Pic Credit: Reuters]

As per the IOC, no governing bodies or athletes are entitled to participate in the Olympic Games. They also claimed that any entry is only allowed by the acceptance of the body itself which they can refuse while providing specific reasons.

The IOC is now working on plans to evaluate the entry of Russian and Belarusian athletes. These two countries, along with Guatemala, are the only ones not to receive any sort of invitation for the 2024 Paris Games. As things stand right now, they will likely have to perform as neutral athletes without any flags of their own.

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