Stanislav Pozdnyakov, head of the Russian Olympic Committee, commented on the news that Russian and Belarusian athletes at the 2023 Asian Games would compete under neutral status, without flags or other national symbols, and would not be in line for medals. He noted that the situation echoes the IOC recommendations from March, and that concrete steps have still not been taken in the ensuing months.
According to Pozdnyakov, the Asian Games organizational body had not yet invited the People’s Republic of China to participate, and without China’s involvement there was little value in weighing potential scenarios or talking about hypothetical arrangements.
He also pointed out that the outcomes of Russian and Belarusian athletes would contribute to the Olympic qualification standings for the 2024 Summer Games, effectively shaping the broader competitive landscape for the upcoming Olympic cycle.
The Asian Games are scheduled to take place in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, with athletes from across Asia gathering to compete in a wide range of disciplines.
During a meeting of the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board on March 28, a recommendation was issued allowing Russians and Belarusians to participate under neutral status provided they do not actively support the continuation of conflict on Ukrainian soil.
Earlier, in late February 2022, the IOC urged international sports federations to refrain from inviting Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in events, a stance that affected many sports and organizations worldwide.
Earlier discussions in the State Duma also touched on the possibility of legally preventing the restoration of citizenship for individuals who have switched national teams, highlighting the ongoing debate about national allegiance in international sport.