Belarusian athletes awarded 27 Paris Olympics qualification places

May 16, Pozirk. Belarusian athletes have won 27 Paris Olympics qualification places, the press office of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) reported, citing Chairman Viktar Łukašenka.

The elder son of Belarusian leader Alaksandar Łukašenka said that that more qualifications were still possible. “Generally, we are happy,” he added.

Belarusian athletes will compete as neutrals and will not be allowed to display Belarus’ official flag.

After Russia invaded Ukraine from Belarus in February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) urged sports federations to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions.

It later recommended that some could be allowed as neutral athletes under certain conditions, such as not supporting the war. In December 2023, the IOC allowed neutrals to compete in the 2024 Olympics to be held from July 26 to August 11.

The Belarusian government has been accused of discriminating against hundreds of athletes who spoke out against violence and rigged election in 2020. Many athletes fled Belarus, fearing political reprisals.

Alaksandar Łukašenka had chaired the NOC since 1997, but then put his son in charge in 2021 after the IOC sanctioned the national body for discriminating against dissident athletes.

Also read: Paris mayor: Belarusian, Russian athletes will not be welcome at Olympics