PERM, Oct 20, Adela Ziatdinova. Head of the Russian Biathlon Union (SBR) Viktor Maigurov stated that his organization adheres to the state’s position on the issue of Russians’ performance at international tournaments in a neutral status.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a plenary session at the Eastern Economic Forum, said that regarding the participation of Russians in the 2024 Olympics, one must be guided by the interests of the athletes, the decision remains theirs.
«»There is a position of the state on this issue, we adhere to it. Our athletes perform as part of the national team. Therefore, I do not make a decision here. I agree with the policy pursued by our president, the Ministry of Sports and the ROC. We will be guided by the joint decisions made «, said Maygurov.
““I have no idea when we will be allowed in. I hope it’s tomorrow. The Russian team is now ready to compete on the world stage,” he added.
In March 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that international federations allow Russians who did not support the CBO to compete in a neutral status. At the same time, the organization proposed to deny athletes associated with the armed forces and security agencies, as well as national teams, in team disciplines. The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has upheld the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions until further notice.