Russian athletes will not be allowed to participate in Youth Olympic Games in South Korea

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided not to allow Russian athletes to participate in the Youth Olympic Games, which will be held in 2024 in Gangwon-do, even in a neutral status. Sovetsky Sport reported this with reference to the IOC press service.

Previously, neutral athletes could not compete only in team competitions. Now, the IOC ban extends to individual competitions.

It is noteworthy that the Youth Olympic Games will be held in Gangwon-do (South Korea) from January 19 to February 2, 2024. Athletes aged 15-18 years will take part in them.

Meanwhile, earlier IOC President Thomas Bach argued against political influence on sports and the point of view implying “collective guilt” of Russian athletes. In his opinion, excluding athletes from Russia and Belarus based on citizenship would be discriminatory. The head of the IOC stated that the Olympic Games can contribute to international dialogue.

Let us remind you that in 2020, the Youth Olympic Games were held in Switzerland. The team of Russian athletes then won 10 gold, 11 silver and 8 bronze awards in the medal standings.

Earlier, the Bashinform news agency reported that the Russian Olympic Committee will compensate members of the Russian Olympic team for missing the 2024 Olympics in Paris from its own funds. ROC President Stanislav Pozdnyakov instructed to prepare a corresponding project.

Author: Eduard Kuskarbekov