IOC Partially Lifts Ban, Russian Athletes Can Participate in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Lausanne, Switzerland (CNA) - More than four years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday announced a partial lifting of restrictions, allowing Russian athletes to participate in team events and qualifying competitions for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

According to Agence France-Presse, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said at a meeting in Lausanne: "We want to ensure that all athletes have the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games and are not held responsible for the actions of their government."

However, the IOC still maintains some bans, including the current prohibition of the Russian national anthem and flag display, and requires Russian athletes to pass "multiple" doping tests before resuming competition.

Ukraine yesterday criticized the IOC's decision as "hasty" and "unfounded." The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine stated that the IOC did not consider the objective situation, which remains unchanged, namely Russia's continued full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine, a serious violation of international law and the fundamental principles of peace and security.

Additionally, the IOC has outlined several conditions, stating that individual sports federations can decide whether to allow the Russian flag and anthem, or whether to host competitions in Russia.

Regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which are still two years away, the IOC stated that a decision will be made at an appropriate time on whether to allow the Russian flag, anthem, representative colors, or any national identification symbols to appear at the Olympic venues.

Russia expressed its welcome. Russian Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyarev posted on the social platform Telegram: "The IOC has sent a clear signal: the Olympics must be above politics." He also said that Russia plans to participate in the qualifying events for the Los Angeles Olympics. (Intern trainee translator: Tsai Ya-jung / Editor: Hsu Chung-che) 1150708

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