The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will not include Russia and Belarus. This was confirmed by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) officials via its official Q&A blog post, which was posted on July 28.
2024 Olympic Games Paris: Russia, Belarus Not Invited
According to People Magazine, IOC confirmed that Russia and Belarus will not be invited to compete in the 2024 Olympics, which began on July 26 and will last until Aug. 11.
IOC's decision to exclude the two countries comes during the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and the Russian military.
As of writing, the Russian government is still moving its troops to continue its full-scale invasion of the European nation. IOC decided to exclude Belarus because it is an ally of Russia.
The sports organization said that its position is clear.
"We condemned the war from the first day. We imposed unprecedented sanctions on the Russian and Belarusian governments," explained an IOC representative.
But, does this mean that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be banned as well?
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Are Russian and Belarusian Athletes Banned as Well?
Thankfully, Russian and Belarusian athletes are not included in the ban. IOC clarified that these athletes can participate in the 2024 Olympic Games as long as they compete as "Individual Neutral Athletes."
The non-governmental sports organization said that the G7 completely respects its sports autonomy.
IOC added that the G7 only wants to ensure that Belarusian and Russian athletes are in no war competing as representatives of their nations.
The sports organization further explained that the Olympic Games' main goal is to unite people across the world in a peaceful competition.
This means that IOC wants the 2024 Olympics to be a strong "symbol of unity and humanity."
"In our fragile world, with conflicts, divisions, and wars rising, we need this unifying power more than ever," said IOC President Thomas Bach.
Bach added that the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will provide a new era for the Olympic Games, which will be more inclusive, more urban, more sustainable, and younger.
You can click this link to learn more about the ongoing 2024 Olympics.
