In a strong stance against the ongoing war in Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to prevent athletes from Russia and Belarus from participating in the opening ceremonies at the Paris Olympics. The move comes as organizers target countries that are deemed "responsible for the war" in Ukraine.

According to an IOC statement, athletes from Russia and Belarus will still be allowed to compete in individual events as "Individual Neutral Athletes" (AINs). However, they will not partake in the parade of delegations during the opening ceremony, as they are considered individual athletes.

The IOC's decision also includes a provision specifying that any Russian or Belarusian athletes associated with military and national security agencies will be ineligible to compete. This measure aims to exclude individuals who may have direct involvement in the aggression against Ukraine.

While the fate of AINs in the closing ceremony is yet to be determined, the IOC acknowledged that the decision will be made considering that it is the athletes, not the teams, who enter the closing ceremony together.

These sanctions against Russia and Belarus will remain in place for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the IOC affirmed, emphasizing its commitment to holding those responsible for the war accountable.

Among the athletes affected, a total of 12 individuals with Russian passports and seven with Belarusian roots have already qualified for the games. The IOC predicts that eventually 36 Russians and 22 Belarusians will qualify across various sports.

In the event of a victory by a Russian or Belarusian athlete, celebrations will be limited. The AIN flag will be raised, and its anthem will be played if a Russian or Belarusian athlete achieves a top podium position.

It is worth noting that Russian aggression in Ukraine has also had implications for the Special Olympics. The most recent winter games, originally planned to be held in Kazan, Russia, were canceled due to safety concerns. Similarly, the summer games held last year in Berlin were without the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus, as per the choice of the local organizing committee.

The IOC's decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from the opening ceremony serves as a strong statement against the war in Ukraine. As the Paris Olympics approach, the international community continues to closely monitor the unfolding events and the impact on the world of sports.