The barriers are gradually falling for Russian sport. The IOC has decided to no longer recommend any treatment other than... russian athletesand therefore to fully reintegrate them at the international level – even if the return of their flag and symbols to the Olympics remains to be determined. Olympic Council of Asia quickly issued a statement to welcome this decision.
« The OCA shares the IOC's conviction that The participation of athletes in international competitions should not be restricted by wars or conflicts which affect their country of origin. The OCA fully supports the IOC in its commitment to promote peace through sport and condemns wars, armed conflicts and violence everywhere in the world » the organization wrote on its website.
« Sport should be a source of hope and to bring together nations and peoplesThis was demonstrated most recently at the Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games, where athletes from all 45 Asian National Olympic Committees came together for peaceful competition, even as Asia and the rest of the world were gripped by conflict and tension. "The ball is now in the court of the international federations," emphasizes the OCA.
