Russian athletes will be allowed to compete in the 2018 Winter Olympics under a neutral flag
Decks have been cleared for participation of athletes from Russia in the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games starting on February 9. The Organising Committee of the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games (POCOG) has endorsed the decision of the International Paralympic Committee that Russians athletes be allowed to compete in the 2018 Winter Olympic games under a neutral flag.
Earlier, a number of Russian athletes who tested positive for doping in the last edition of Winter Olympic games held at Sochi, Russia, were debarred from any further participation in sports.
Even the Russia has been barred from participation. The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, too, stands barred from participation in any Olympic related events in any capacity. It was said that all eligible athletes from Russia would compete as neutral athletes in PyeongChang Olympic games. The decision of the International Paralympic Committee and earlier of the International Olympic Committee have now cleared the uncertainty over participation of Russian athletes in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
The PyeongChang Olympics Organising Committee (POCOG) issued the following statement on Monday :
"We accept and respect the decision of the IPC regarding the ruling that Russian athletes may compete under a neutral flag.
We will welcome all athletes that are eligible to compete and meet the criteria set out by the IPC.
The IPC and IOC have both now made their decision on Russian participation as neutrals at PyeongChang 2018. Our taskforce will work with the neutral delegates to ensure that the competing athletes at both Games receive the same support as all other athletes to ensure they have the best Games experience possible.
PyeongChang is committed to delivering a Winter Games that is clean, fair and open to all eligible athletes.
The announcements by both the IOC and IPC heralds a new age for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and sport in the wider context. PyeongChang 2018 will symbolise the start of cleansport and fair competition for all moving forward. We are very proud to be part of the change.
We are working closely with WADA, along with other relevant organisations and authorities, to ensure that all necessary steps are taken around anti -doping and fair play. "
"PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee will respect the decision of the IPC should take the Russian athletes participating in the Paralympics holding a neutral flag.
Organizers are qualified to participate in the Paralympic Games welcome all players to comply with the standards set by the IPC.
IPC and the IOC has already PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic competitions participation of Russian athletes have decided to neutral countries eligible. Our organizers will do the same support to other countries players to the players and the delegations participating in the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games the best Olympic experience.
The organizing committee will do its best to hold fair play without drugs at the Olympic Games and Paralympic competition.
The IOC and the IPC will open a new era for clean Olympic and Paralympic Games.
PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games will be a symbol indicating the start of a more clean and fair competition in the future. We will be proud seondaneun the forefront of these changes.
The organizing committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and other relevant organizations for all the procedures necessary for the anti-doping and fair competition, and each We consult closely with the authorities. " -PTC News
