Oleg Matytsin, the Russian sports minister, asserted that the conditions set by the International Olympic Committee for Russian competitors are unlawful and biased. He argued that the IOC’s approach to labeling Russian athletes amounts to discrimination, and that the path offered to competitors is framed as an open doorway but layered with additional hurdles.
According to statements from the ministry’s press office, Russian athletes have spent years building a solid foundation for sport based on fair play, clear rules, and genuine competition. They have brought joy and pride to fans across the country, treating sport as a profession and a central part of life. Denying these athletes the right to participate equitably, the ministry argued, would be a cruel act that ignores decades of effort and achievement.
On March 28, the IOC President, Thomas Bach, proposed from the organization’s executive committee that Russians should be permitted to compete in international events only as neutral athletes. The proposal specified that entrants must refrain from public expressions supporting the IOC and must not be connected to Ukraine or any related national security or military institutions.
Additionally, the IOC recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes should not participate in team sports, a stance that drew swift debate among stakeholders who emphasize the importance of sportsmanship and unity in global competition.
Alexander Tikhonov, a four-time Olympic biathlon champion, criticized the leadership of the IOC, describing its approach as out of touch and indicative of a broader moral misalignment within the organization. His remarks reflected a broader sentiment among some athletes and supporters who urge a more inclusive and principled framework for competition on the world stage, even amid geopolitical tensions.