Zambia affirms stance on participation of Russian, Belarusian athletes in sports as ‘neutrals’

All eligible individual athletes holding Russian and Belarusian Passports should participate in sports as ‘neutrals’ in various competitions across the World.

This is according to the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) which reaffirmed its support regarding participation of all eligible individual athletes holding Russian and Belarusian Passports.

This is in support of the recent statement made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding solidarity with Ukraine, sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and the status of athletes from these countries.

NOCZ president Alfred Foloko said the Zambian Committee believed that all athletes should have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field and to showcase their talents on the world stage.

“We stand with the IOC in their efforts to promote peace and understanding through sport and to ensure that the Olympic Games remain a symbol of unity and fair play.

“We believe that the Olympic Movement should serve as a platform for dialogue and diplomacy, and that it should be free from political interference,” Foloko said in a statement issued on Friday in Lusaka.

He urged all parties to respect the Olympic Charter and to work together to promote the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship.

Foloko called on all players to work together to support the Olympic Movement and to celebrate the unifying power of sport.

“In line with the IOC’s statement, we support the participation of all eligible individual athletes holding Russian and Belarusian Passports as ‘neutrals’ in various competitions across the World.

“We also understand that the decision to reinforce the already existing sanctions on Russia and Belarus is not taken lightly and that it is done to protect the integrity of the Olympic Games and to ensure that the rules are followed,” Foloko said.