Lausanne: In a significant announcement on Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee declared that athletes from Russia and Belarus would not participate in the traditional parade of athletes during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. This decision follows Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prompting the IOC to designate athletes from these nations as independent participants, devoid of their national flags and anthems.
According to the IOC, these athletes will compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (INAs), symbolized by a specially-created flag and an anthem without lyrics. While they will not partake in the delegation parade, the IOC assured that they would still have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the event.
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James McLeod, Director of the IOC, clarified that although the athletes would witness the grandeur of the opening ceremony, they would not be included in the procession of teams with boats along the River Seine.
Furthermore, the IOC outlined stringent eligibility criteria for Russian and Belarusian athletes seeking to compete. A three-member IOC panel will vet candidates to ensure compliance with these criteria, barring individuals who actively support the conflict termed by Moscow as a “special military operation.” Additionally, athletes contracted to military or security agencies will also be ineligible for participation.
The IOC estimates that approximately 36 Russian and 22 Belarusian athletes will qualify for the Paris Olympics, a notable decrease compared to the large delegations in previous editions. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Russia boasted a team of 330 athletes, while Belarus fielded a contingent of 104.
