In a major development ahead of the forthcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Russia said on July 6 (Saturday) that it will not be sending 10 of its wrestlers who secured a spot at the quadrennial event at the French Capital as neutrals. In a statement by the Russian Wrestling Federation, it made it clear that the officials, coaches as well as the concerned athletes came to an unanimous decision to refuse to take part in the Olympic Games.
Had Russia not expressed its reservation against its wrestlers competing in the Olympic Games as neutrals, this would have been the largest Russian contingent competing in Paris as part of the Individual Neutral Athlete programme. Notably, this under this scheme launched by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), some Russian athletes have been granted exemption along with some athletes from Russia's ally Belarus to compete in Olympic games during the war in Ukraine.
READ HERE | India Athletics Squad For Paris Olympics 2024: Neeraj Chopra Headlines 28-Member Contingent. Check Full List
IOC's Previous Statement 9 Out Of 10 Athletes Had Agreed To Participate
In an earlier statement, the IOC said that it had invited 10 Russian wrestlers to compete in the Paris Olympics with its website listing nine of them as having agreed to compete in the tournament. Only one had declined the request.
Even though there has not been an official comment by the IOC as yet, it would be interesting to note what it feels about the decision and whether it feels there could have been some sort of pressure from Russia's wrestling federation to withdraw their participation. IOC's stance in case any player would want to go against the wishes of the Russian federation and participate is also awaited.
ALSO READ | Team India's Official Kit For Paris Olympics 2024 Revealed. Check Out Pictures
Paris Olympics 2024 gets underway on July 26 and will conclude on August 11.