PARIS, March 19. /TASS/. Thirty-six more Russian and 28 Belarusian athletes may qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, IOC (International Olympic Committee) Director of National Olympic Committees (NOC) Relations and Olympic Solidarity James Macleod said.

"Our experts currently project that under the most likely scenario 36 AINs (Individual Neutral Athletes) with a Russian passport and 22 AINs with a Belarusian passport will qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The maximum number, which is unlikely to be reached, would be 55 and 28, respectively," he said.

As of today, twelve Russian and seven Belarusian athletes have qualified for the 2024 Olympics. However, they will not be allowed to take part in the teams parade at the opening ceremony and their medals will not be displayed on national medal tables.

On December 8, 2023, the IOC allowed Russians and Belarusians to compete in the Olympic Games in Paris under a neutral status. The IOC reported that athletes from Russia and Belarus would not be allowed to participate in any team events.

Participation in the Olympics will also be denied to those who actively support hostilities. Individuals associated with the army or national security organizations will not be allowed to compete in the Olympics. Officials will not be accredited to the competition. The display of official symbols of Russia and Belarus will be prohibited.