Lukashenko on participation of Belarusian athletes in Olympics: let athletes decide for themselves
During his today’s conversation with residents of Kostyukovichi, President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko shared his view on the participation of Belarusian athletes in the Olympic Games scheduled to be held in Paris this summer
As reported, athletes from Belarus and Russia will be able to compete in Paris only in a neutral status, also having no opportunity to participate in team sports at all – following a decision of the International Olympic Committee. In addition, the IOC allowed the federations of each sport to decide for themselves whether to allow Belarusians and Russians to participate. Accordingly, there is no unified approach and openness.
Speaking about the decisions of Western politicians and sports officials, Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “The actions of these scoundrels in sports bring nothing good to the latter. This is especially true about the Olympic movement. You know, in the past, wars stopped during the Games, which were peaceful competitions. You can see what they – like everything else – have turned into now.”
The President also commented on the issue of how Belarusian sportsmen should act. “It is up to the athletes to decide. Of course, it would be great if everything will be organised as it should be – with the anthem, the flag, and so on. An athlete's [professional] life is very short. I understand this, and I am not insisting on any of the options. If a sportsman decides to participate in the Olympics, this will make him or her even angrier. Mood and anger are important in sports. Actually, those qualified and going there [to the Games] in a neutral status should definitely show their mettle, demonstrate that they are true Belarusians. This will be a good reason for us to politically ‘polish’ them if we win after performing not under own flag. We must not give up!
The Head of State recalled that, in Soviet times, a pressure was put on us, and we were seriously infringed upon in sports, but still we were in the lead. “The greater pressure, the greater resistance… When we defeat them, it means that we are capable of this. Tomorrow we will return to the European, global family, and we will show them what we can do. Meanwhile, it is up to the sportsmen to decide whether to go [to the Olympics] or not. Those wishing can do this – but they should perform worthily, so that we can be proud of them,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
