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≡ RUSSIA STILL SUSPENDED ≡
“Despite the fact that we are not satisfied with the IOC’s decision, we will still be pragmatic.”
That’s Russian Sport Minister Mikhail Degtyarev, speaking with the Russian news agency TASS on Tuesday, commenting on the International Olympic Committee’s recommendation last week to lift sanctions against Belarus:
“Firstly, the lifting of sanctions against Belarus is a serious step forward. Secondly, this is the first time in years that the IOC publicly noted the constructive nature of cooperation with the ROC.”
“Our lawyers, as well as me personally, have already communicated with the IOC administration. A dialogue is underway. We are not changing any plans. We are preparing for the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal this year and for the qualifying tournaments ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in the United States.”
Russia’s participation has been limited since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and Degtyarev noted the progress so far:
“At one point, it seemed like everything was blocked for everyone. There was no plan to get out of this situation. Our team did everything possible to open the doors and return to competitions, at least as a neutral party.
“Now we’re restoring the flag and anthem, and the results are clear: this year, our athletes will be allowed to compete internationally in virtually all sports. This is my prediction, based on our negotiating positions and the communication we maintain with international organizations. Meanwhile, our anthem is already being played and our flag is being raised at many tournaments.”
Belarus continues to be returned to international competitions as federations follow the IOC’s recommendation, including announcement on Tuesday from World Boxing, the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne and the International Volleyball Federation. World Athletics and the International Tennis Federation have pointedly said they are not changing their status on Belarus.
On Russia, a few federations have re-integrated their athletes without restrictions, including the International Judo Federation last October, World Taekwondo in January and World Aquatics in April. The IOC has indicated Russia’s status is different and remains restricted as far as it is concerned.
Further, IOC President Kirsty Coventry (ZIM) noted continuing inquiries by the World Anti-Doping Agency into accusations that the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) has links with the Russian government security services, which have been denied.
There is also political pressure building on Degtyarev. Former ice hockey star Vyacheslav Fetisov, himself a former Russia Sports Minister and since 2016 a member of the State Duma – the Russian national legislature – as well as a two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Detroit Red Wings as a defenseman, told TASS:
“Until RUSADA is reinstated, it’s not entirely correct to talk about a full return of our Olympic Committee. Unfortunately, many promises were made, especially to the athletes, coaches, and us, the legends of Russian hockey, basketball, football, and other sports, that we would soon be able to enjoy the Olympic Games in a format with national representation, its symbols, and paraphernalia.
“We were promised that this would happen this summer, but it seems they somehow miscalculated. They’re trying to convince us that everything is fine, when in fact, it’s not.
“I’m upset for our athletes, coaches, and fans. Once again, we were promised something, and we failed to deliver.”
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