Former world boxing champion Nikolai Valuev, a member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, responded to the threats of the head of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Vitold Banka against athletes who want to participate in the Friendship Games. His words are quoted “Sports Express”.
“WADA and IOC are twin brothers. “We are not surprised,” Valuev said.
The bank had previously threatened sanctions against athletes who will participate in the Friendship Games.
The World Friendship Games will be held in Moscow and Yekaterinburg from 15 to 29 September 2024. This is the first multi-sport competition to include performances in all 25 Summer Olympic and non-Olympic sports.
On February 28, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) appealed to international sports federations, recommending that domestic and Belarusian athletes not be allowed to participate in any competitions. In addition, many competitions in which foreign athletes participated were moved from Russia.
Former Russian Olympic champion acceptedthis is not preparing for the Games in Paris.