MOSCOW, May 10. Former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Fedor Emelianenko spoke about the criteria for admitting Russian athletes to the Olympic Games in Paris.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) admitted Russians to the Games in an individual neutral status, subject to a number of criteria. A special flag and anthem have been approved for neutral athletes. Russians will not be allowed to participate in the parade of athletes at the opening ceremony, and their awards will not be displayed in the medal table. Due to restrictions on participation in qualifying competitions, a maximum of 55 Russian athletes will be able to qualify for the Games.
“As far as I know, there will be very few Russians there. Of course, we will keep an eye on our guys if they are not suspended. In general, probably , it was necessary to make a single decision about whether to go or not to go to the Olympics. And if they decided not to go, then it was necessary to provide support within the country to our Olympians who fought for this. Without a homeland and a flag, without an anthem, it is not worth going to such events. competitions. But it is necessary for the state to support athletes who sacrifice their whole lives to glorify the country,” Gazeta.Ru quotes Emelianenko as saying.
The Summer Olympic Games in Paris will be held from July 26 to August 11.
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