Where Is Sports Ethics?
Russian and Belarusian athletes are officially out of the Paris Olympics 2024 and they will not even take part in the opening ceremony. This decision was taken by the International Olympic Committee after Russia invaded Ukraine. However, athletes from these two countries can take part in this multi-event game as neutrals. But they will also not be part of the glamorous opening ceremony since they are not flag-bearers of any country but neutrals. But they will be provided an opportunity to experience the event.
Now it has sparked a new controversy as the Russian and Belarusian players will take part as neutrals without their country flag, emblems or anthems. Moreover, they have to pass through a vetting process to meet certain eligibility criteria outlined by IOC. To compete in the game, the athletes must prove that they were not supporting the Ukraine war or were in touch with any of the military or security agencies.
WHAT HAS RUSSIA SAID ABOUT THE IOC?
According to Reuters, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the IOC was slipping “into racism and neo-Nazism”. Moscow further criticized this decision and said banning athletes from the event is unjust and unacceptable.
Why do we think here? What is wrong with this decision by the IOC?
Do you think Sports has anything to do with Politics? The most popular games might differ according to the countries but it is always regarded as a powerful tool to promote tolerance, peace, and understanding among the youth in the most sustainable way. It is all about inclusion, participation and citizenship. We all have witnessed through the years how sports have helped mankind to improve the planet’s welfare and people.
On their official website, IOC says, the Olympics is ‘Beyond the Game’. It is about solidarity, integrity, and equality. Olympics proposals are all about promoting peace, harmony, and development among all the countries.
If we believe so, how this decision can go right to ban a country that has started a war against another one? When sports are regarded as one of the most powerful tools to promote peace, cannot it be used here too?
Earlier, we saw the Taliban banned cricket in Afghanistan and lifted it back in the 2000s. Now this country is one of the rising powers in this particular sport. The refugees in Afghanistan have found their solidarity by playing the game. Afghan common people regularly deal with terrorism, water and food shortages, political unrest and whatnot. This game has spread the message of love and peace when there was hatred and war. It brings nations closer to each other by removing distances among them. Can’t we expect the same from IOC?
Sports must always be kept separate from politics and must not be utilized as propaganda. In 2016, we witnessed how Rio de Janeiro Olympics, had become a burden to the Brazilian common people owing to the lack of farsightedness of then-President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. It is well proven that the president used the event to raise his popularity instead of opening new opportunities for the country itself.
There are plenty of examples we have seen how political involvement in sports has increased injustice and corruption. Political involvement always has hurt the spirit of sports for personal gain. For this reason, judicial powers and political influencers must be away from manipulating sports.
We believe, banning Russian participation in the Paris Olympics, in 2024 is against the apolitical nature of the sport. What is your thought here? The idea of political overtones highlights the intricate relationship between sports and geopolitics, even though the main objective of prohibiting a nation from participating in international sporting events is frequently to protect fairness and integrity in sports. Maintaining a balance between such considerations is paramount for sports authorities like the IOC to keep up their independence and credibility while navigating the challenges posed by international relations and ethical standards in sports.
Your opinions matter! Share your thoughts on it with us. Comment below if you think this ban is deemed beneficial for sports considering the surrounding circumstances and what could be the possible aftermath.