President of the Russian Wrestling Federation (FSBR) Mikhail Mamiashvili spoke about the attitude of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) towards the organization of the Friendship Games in Russia. His words are quoted RIA News.
“Lately, sectarians from the International Olympic Committee have often been speaking – I cannot give them another name – and they say that Russia wants to create an Olympic movement around itself by organizing alternative Friendship Games. I don’t understand: If everything is so good for you, then why are you forcibly banning athletes from participating in the Friendship Games? After all, people do not run away from a good place,” said Mamiashvili.
The 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 33 summer Olympic and non-Olympic sports.
At the end of February 2022, the IOC issued a call to international sports federations and recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes not be allowed to participate in any competitions. However, in December, the IOC allowed Russia and Belarus to participate in the 2024 Olympics with neutral status.
Previously recognizedWhy the IOC will not prevent athletes from competing in the Friendship Games.
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Source: Gazeta
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