Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko described the current formats in which Russian athletes compete as successful, noting that these events continue under a neutral banner after recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The statements were reported by TASS.
He emphasized that Russia does not experience isolation in sport. Events such as the Friendship Games, the Biathlon Commonwealth Cup, the Legend Challenge Games, the Children of Asia festival, and the Silk Way Rally have all demonstrated their value and continued relevance. He highlighted the importance of participation in international sports directly with partners from China, as well as in multi-sport gatherings that bring together teams from the Bolivarian Alliance, the CIS, and others where Russian teams have achieved team success in recent competitions.
In late February 2022, the IOC advised international sports federations not to grant participation to Russian and Belarusian athletes at global events, a move widely discussed across the international sports community. Later, at the IOC Executive Committee meeting on March 28, 2023, a shift was noted: Russians could compete in a neutral status provided their involvement does not actively support hostilities. This stance aimed to balance sporting participation with geopolitical realities while maintaining a separation from any active political action.
The discussion extends beyond this moment, touching on the broader question of how athletes from Russia participate on the world stage during periods of suspension. It involves considerations of eligibility, neutrality, and the ongoing debate over the most appropriate means to allow athletes to compete when national associations face sanctions. In this context, Lysenko, a former Russian athlete, publicly stated a sentiment about Olympian admission, signaling personal expectations regarding the path toward Olympic participation. The dialogue around these issues continues to shape the landscape for athletes seeking to compete internationally while national affiliations are under review. (Source: TASS)