“The Minister of Education, Science and Sports invites representatives of Lithuanian sports federations and organizations to a meeting to discuss the existing possibilities to prevent Russian and Belarusian athletes from entering international sports competitions,” Head of the Communications Department Nomeda Barauskienė told BNS.
In early December, it was announced that the leaders of next year’s Olympic Games in Paris allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under a neutral flag, except in team competitions, if they do not actively support the war in Ukraine.
According to the International Olympic Committee, currently only eight athletes from Russia and three athletes from Belarus meet the requirements of neutral athletes.
This decision caused indignation in some states. The presidents of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia called such a decision disappointing and expressed hope that it will be changed.
Since February 2022, when Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes have been subject to sanctions in many sports. However, over the past year, several Olympic sports federations have eased restrictions and allowed athletes from the aforementioned countries to return to competition under certain conditions.
In March, the International Olympic Committee lifted a blanket ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus, allowing them to compete as neutral athletes as long as they do not support the conflict in Ukraine and are not affiliated with the military.
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2024-07-15 11:22:24
