The Ministry of Education and Science (MOES) and Minister Andra Čakša (JV) condemn the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in next year’s Paris Olympic Games as neutral athletes, according to statements on Twitter by the Ministry of Education and Science and the minister.
The Ministry of the Interior states that such a decision is unacceptable while a cruel war continues in Europe. Latvia is intensively consulting with Ukraine and its allies and action will follow, promises the ministry responsible for the sports sector.
Chaksha condemns the IOC’s decision as it tarnishes the athletes and the highest goal of sport, which is a fair fight.
In a statement, the Latvian Basketball Association (LBS) also condemns the IOC’s decision, calling it “nefarious”. LBS notes that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, it was the first Latvian sports organization to condemn the aggressor state. The Union has provided unwavering support and assistance to Ukrainian basketball, forming coalitions with other countries, expressing a firm position at various forums and FIBA meetings, emphasizes LBS.
So let’s do everything we can to achieve justice on behalf of Ukrainians and all athletes who deserve an Olympic Games that honors human achievement and is free from politics and aggression,
says the minister.
It has already been reported that the IOC on Friday allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate as neutral athletes in next year’s Olympic Games in Paris. Currently, 11 athletes have qualified for the Olympic Games as neutral athletes – eight from Russia and three from Belarus.
2023-12-09 13:18:37
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