MOSCOW, April 5 Russian tennis players defend the flag of the Russian Federation with honor , even when they perform without one, we will rejoice at the victories of all Russian athletes at the Olympic Games, said Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov.
«Each athlete determines his position, and, of course, together with all Russians we will rejoice at the victories of our athletes, including tennis players, who honorably defend our flag, even when they perform without one. For us they are still Russian tennis players of whom we are proud,” he said.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed Russians to participate in the Games, which will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11, in individual neutral status, subject to a number of criteria. A special flag and anthem have been approved for neutral athletes. Russians will not be allowed to participate in the parade of athletes at the opening ceremony, and their awards will not be displayed in the medal table. Due to restrictions on participation in qualifying competitions, a maximum of 55 Russian athletes will be able to qualify for the Games. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously said that “international officials are distorting the meaning of the Olympic movement and undermining the foundations of international sports.”