Ten Russian wrestlers scheduled to compete in the Paris Olympics as neutral athletes have opted out after several key athletes, including two-time gold medalist Abdulrashid Sadulaev and 2023 world champion Zaurbek Sidakov, were omitted from the International Olympic Committee's list of invited neutral athletes back in June, according to the Russian Wrestling Federation. The decision was made after the federation's executive committee, coaching staff, and athletes unanimously agreed to boycott the Olympics due to what they deemed an unfair selection process by the IOC.

The federation stated that out of the 16 Russians who had initially qualified for the Paris Olympics, only 10 had received invitations, with six of them lacking the status of team leaders. This led to concerns about the devaluation of the Olympic wrestling event without the participation of top Russian wrestlers, as voiced by the federation in a strong-worded statement questioning the integrity and significance of the Games without Russian representation in wrestling.

This withdrawal follows Russian cyclist Aleksandr Vlasov's decision to pull out of the Olympics last month. Both Russian and Belarusian athletes are eligible to participate as neutrals due to geopolitical tensions, being stripped of national symbols and anthems, in a move by the IOC to ensure athletes have no ties to military or security services or publicly support the war in Ukraine. The Russian judo federation had previously announced its decision not to send athletes to Paris, a move echoed by the wrestlers now.

Social media reactions varied, with some questioning the athletes' patriotism if they accepted IOC invites, while others expressed support for the federation's decision. The Russian sports ministry had encouraged athletes to accept the invitations not long ago, further complicating the situation.

As the Paris Olympics draw closer, the controversy surrounding Russian athletes and their participation continues to unfold, impacting various sports and raising important questions about neutrality and sporting integrity at the world's most significant sporting event.

The Paris Olympics are set to take place from July 26 to Aug. 11, with the wrestling competition scheduled to begin on Aug. 5. Stay tuned for more updates as the Games approach.

*Reuters contributed to this report.*