The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) invited Russia and Belarus join the competition In the Asian Games 2022 at Hangzhou, China which will be held in 23 September – 8 October 2023
Previously, Russia and Belarus were banned from participating in all sporting events in Europe. Due to the war that Russia invaded Ukraine since February 2022, with Belarus as a supported country as well
However, on 25 January, the International Olympic Council (IOC) announced in Official statement that It has been considered for athletes from Russia and Belarus to return to international competition under “rigorous conditions” before the OCA announced its invitation to athletes from both nations for the 2022 Asian Games.
“The OCA joins the Olympic Movement in its support of the IOC Executive Board’s statement on solidarity with Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and the status of athletes from these countries,” OCA said in Official Statement
“The OCA believes in the unifying power of sport and that all athletes, regardless of their nationality or the passport they hold, should be able to compete in sports competitions. The OCA has offered to give eligible Russian and Belarusian athletes the opportunity to take part in competitions in Asia, including the Asian Games.”
Announcement from OCA >>> https://ocasia.org/news/3688-the-official-statement-of-the-olympic-council-of-asia-on-ioc-ebs-statement-on-solidarity-with-ukraine-sanctions-against-russia-and-belarus-and-the-status-of-athletes-from-these-countries.html
For the Asian Games in several sports, it is considered a qualifying competition to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France as well.
Russia and Belarus’ participation in the OCA is not related to football. Under the management of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Which Russia is currently banned from FIFA and UEFA due to war problems. And cannot participate in any international football competitions until the suspension is released
Credit Photo : Atlantic Council
