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WADA urges to introduce biological passports for neutral athletes from Russia

On December 8, the International Olympic Committee said it would allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in the upcoming Summer Games only as neutral athletes

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) called upon anti-doping organizations to introduce biological athletes for neutral athletes from Russia who may take part in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the WADA press service has told TASS.

"WADA remains skeptical and wary when it comes to Russia. We must remain vigilant and ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to verifying that all the proper testing has taken place in advance of Paris. We encourage Anti-Doping Organizations to implement a biological passport for all athletes from Russia that may potentially compete in Paris as neutrals," the press service said in a statement.

"When they gather on the starting line, the athletes of the world want to know that all their competitors, regardless of where they are from, have faced the same pre-Games anti-doping conditions as they have and that they can be reassured the system is protecting them. To achieve this, Anti-Doping Organizations must use every available tool," the statement says.

On December 8, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it would allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in the upcoming Summer Games only as neutral athletes. They will be prohibited from demonstrating their national identity in any form.

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games will be hosted by the French capital of Paris between July 26 and August 11. It will bring together around 11,000 athletes. On December 14, the IOC said six athletes from Russia and five athletes from Belarus had been granted permission to participate.

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