While the Russians and Belarusians have been given the “green light” to compete as neutrals by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), athletes contracted to the military or national security services of both nations cannot
Russia is considering boycotting the fencing qualifiers for next year’s Paris Olympics after some of its athletes were not allowed to compete, Russian Olympic Committee President Stanislav Pozdnyakov said today (11/5).
Russian Fencing Federation president Ilgar Mammadov said the International Fencing Federation (FIE) had barred Olympic gold medalists Yana Yegorian, Sofia Velikaya, Olga Nikitina and Sofia Pozdnyakova — Pozdnyakov’s daughter — from competing.
While the Russians and Belarusians have been given the “green light” to compete as neutrals by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), athletes contracted to the military or national security services of both nations cannot.
All four fencers are affiliated with the Central Sports Army Club (CSKA) of Moscow.
“As for fencing, I have repeatedly discussed with the members of the national team how they could return,” Pozdnyakov said on Telegram, according to TASS, adding: “I can say that none of them have thought nor is he considering appearing in international tournaments under the current restrictions. The position is unanimous. Our fencers will participate only if they have equal rights with athletes from other countries, without far-fetched or illegal criteria and other artificial obstacles.”
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin, relayed the Kremlin’s criticism to TASS: “We strongly disapprove of such decisions. We consider it absolutely wrong to subject athletes to any political requirements for their participation in international competitions. Athletes should have the right to participate in competitions, to defend their sporting honor and the sporting honor of their country.”
Reuters has contacted FIE for comment. Although fencers from Russia and Belarus were allowed to return to international competition before the start of the 2024 Olympic qualifiers, the events were canceled due to their participation.
Denmark, Norway, Germany and Poland canceled international events, while Norway announced that its fencers would not participate in competitions involving Russian and Belarusian athletes.
Source :Skai
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