Russian Olympic champion demands IOC disqualify Latvia for refusing to compete with Russians

Former Minister of Sports Pavel Kolobkov reacted angrily to the decision of the Latvian Saeima to ban its athletes from competing with teams from Russia and Belarus. The former fencer demanded that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspend all representatives of the Baltic country from tournaments.

Kolobkov said this in a comment to the propaganda news agency TASS. The Sydney 2000 Olympic champion accused the Latvians of allegedly politicizing sports and state interference in the work of the National Olympic Committee, which should be addressed by the IOC and its president, Thomas Bach.

"Elections to the National Olympic Committee are held independently of the state, and any interference and bans of this kind are called state interference in the affairs of public organizations. And now the IOC should not just speak out, it should automatically impose sanctions. If this does not happen, the IOC will sign its name in its politicization, cowardice and bias. I wonder what Bach will say about this situation?" Kolobkov was indignant.

Earlier it became known that athletes from Russia and Belarus, who received Olympic licenses to compete at the Games in Paris this year, will be re-examined for compliance with the conditions of admission to the tournament.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, Russian swimmer Yevgeny Rylov refused to participate in the 2024 Olympics due to the conditions of admission. Also, the Russian rhythmic gymnastics team boycotted the Games in Paris. In addition, fencer Sofia the Great will miss the competition.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!