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IOC bans Russian, Belarusian athletes from participating in Olympic opening ceremony

The IOC reported that athletes from Russia and Belarus would not be allowed to participate in any team events

PARIS, March 19. /TASS/. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned Russian and Belarusian athletes, who qualified for taking part in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris as neutrals, from participating in the teams parade during the opening ceremony, IOC Director of National Olympic Committees (NOC) Relations and Olympic Solidarity James Macleod said.

"AINs (Individual Neutral Athletes) will not participate in the parade of delegations’ teams during the opening ceremony since they are individual athletes. But an opportunity will be provided to them experience the event," he said, adding that a decision on their participation in the closing ceremony will be made later.

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.

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