Connie Helder, Minister of Health, Welfare and Sports of the Netherlands, regrets the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding Russian athletes. This was reported by “lenta.ru”.
In his response to the parliamentary inquiry, Helder criticized the Russians’ admission to the 2024 Olympic Games under a neutral flag.
“The Council of Ministers regrets the IOC’s decision. “It has been and remains our position that Russia and Belarus should be prohibited from participating in international sports competitions under any flag,” Helder said in a statement.
Following the start of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine, the IOC in February 2022 recommended that international federations suspend Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions. The decision to participate in the 2024 Games was announced in December 2023.
The organization said Russian athletes will be required to sign updated terms of participation, which include a commitment to respect the Olympic Charter, including the “peaceful mission of the Olympic movement”. Russian athletes who rank well in their own disciplines will be allowed to compete.
The Summer Olympic Games will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
Former Olympic champion Stepanova accused disrespect for opponents.