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Organizing Committee rebukes IOC's stance on Russia’s plans to hold Friendship Games

It is reported that the emergence of new high-level competitions could play a role in promoting sport globally

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. The position of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Russia holding the Friendship Games is unconstructive and does not help the sports world, the press service of the organizing committee for the Games told TASS.

On Tuesday, the IOC called on foreign athletes and governments of other countries to refuse to take part in the Friendship Games, calling the competitions in Russia politically motivated.

"We are disappointed to see such statements from the International Olympic Committee. In our opinion, this stance is unconstructive and is not aimed at the development of sports," the organizing committee told TASS, adding that the emergence of new high-level competitions could play a role in promoting sport globally.

"Let us note that equal conditions and non-discrimination in any form for all participants of the competition are the key principles of the Friendship Games," the organizing committee added.

The World Friendship Games will be held from September 15 to 29, hosted by Moscow and Yekaterinburg.

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