Ukraine will have to prevent “depriving” its athletes of the danger to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, says World Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach.
That call got here after the IOC really useful Russian and Belarusian athletes be allowed to compete underneath a impartial flag.
“The Ukrainian athletes are being sanctioned by way of their very own govt for the warfare that has been began by way of the Russian and Belarusian governments,” stated Bach.
“It’s laborious to grasp why the Ukrainian govt is depriving their very own athletes from the danger to qualify for Paris 2024 and to make the Ukrainian other people proud.
“It’s laborious to grasp why Ukrainian athletes are allowed to compete in tennis however now not in desk tennis, it is laborious to grasp why they are allowed to compete in biking however now not in swimming.
“What all of the Olympic group and actually all of the international is eager for is Ukrainian athletes shining brightly in global competitions.”
Ukraine has up to now threatened to boycott the 2024 Olympics if the IOC permits Russian athletes to compete.
Participation in occasions that includes Russians and Belarusians may see Ukrainian federations sanctioned and lose “nationwide standing”.
Some sports activities already permit competition from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals – for instance, tennis avid gamers from the 2 international locations compete at the ATP and WTA Excursions underneath impartial flags.
Bach added: “All of us need [Ukrainian athletes] to give you the option to qualify for the Olympic Video games in Paris 2024.
“This implies taking part now within the qualification occasions so they may be able to make the Ukrainian other people proud, appearing the resilience of the Ukrainian other people and of the Ukrainian Olympic group.”
No choice has but been taken on whether or not Russian and Belarusian athletes might be allowed to compete in subsequent yr’s Olympics.
The UK is amongst 36 international locations to have pledged enhance for an ongoing ban.
