Is the solution found?
Russian and Belarusian athletes are expected to soon receive the green light to return to compete in the criterium events for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, and it appears that they will do so under the continent of Asia and not Europe.
As you may recall, the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended in February that athletes from both countries be banned from participating in international sports competitions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which was supported by Belarus.
The reintegration of Russian athletes was at the center of discussions at the Olympic summit held last night (Friday) where the Olympic Council of Asia gave its blessing for the athletes to participate in events under its jurisdiction.
In a press release, it was stated: "During the discussion, the acting president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) stated that the Asian continent could facilitate the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in competitions in Asia under its jurisdiction, while respecting the existing sanctions, which would prevent any athlete who competes from not wearing the uniform of the Russian national team or Belarus, and will not appear under the flags of their countries."
A statement from the International Olympic Committee said that the presidents of the current international sports federations welcome the initiative of the OCA, and that for some federations and their competition hosts, the need for safeguards against Russian and Belarusian athletes no longer applies.
The one who was not present at the important meeting, is Sebastian Ko, the president of the World Athletics Association, who previously said that athletes from these countries would be invited to compete again in his sport, only when Russia "leaves Ukraine".
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