Chinese Olympic chiefs give backing for Russian athletes to compete at Hangzhou Asian Games as neutrals
- ‘China upholds principle of political neutrality in sports,’ Chinese Olympic Committee statement says
- Olympic Council of Asia has offered to let Russian and Belarusian athletes take part at 2023 Games as first step towards 2024 Paris Olympics
The Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) has given its backing to Russian and Belarusian athletes competing at the Olympics and Asian Games as neutrals, with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky urging a rethink.
The Olympic Council of Asia on Thursday it has offered to let the two countries take part at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou from September 23 to October 8, as a first step towards them competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
That came after the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday a pathway for the return of athletes from the two countries “under strict conditions” should be further explored.
“The Chinese Olympic Committee claims that athletes from all over the world should enjoy equal rights to participate in international competitions,” a COC spokesperson told Chinese state media.
“Whether they participate or not should be determined based on sports performance, without interference from political and war factors.
“China upholds the principle of political neutrality in sports and opposes politicisation of sports. We believe that sport should be a bond that unites the world, not the other way around. The international sports community should work together for the shared future, rather than tearing it apart.