Captain of the German men's ice hockey team: Clamoring for a "boycott of the Winter Olympics" is a hypocritical political show

Berlin, 30 Jan (Xinhua) -- Moritz Müller, the captain of the German men's ice hockey team, said in an interview with German media a few days ago that the people who clamored for "boycotting the Beijing Winter Olympics" were too hypocritical and that they only wanted to use sports for political showmanship.

In an interview with Desche News Agence, Müller said it was hypocritical to clamor for a "boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics." "They themselves use Chinese-made smartphones, they wear Chinese-made clothes and shoes, but they want us to resist." As an athlete, I train with all my might, hoping to have the opportunity to fight in the Winter Olympics, and no matter where the Winter Olympics are held, I am looking forward to it. ”

Mueller believes that there is no basis for this kind of manipulation by a small number of politicians in the West. "Seven years ago, the world thought that China was the most suitable country to host the Winter Olympics. Munich, Germany, also participated in the bid, but in the end the locals voted the proposal down. All kinds of economic and trade cooperation between Germany and China are considered by everyone to be successful and correct measures, and no one feels that there is anything wrong with it. If we can sell to China but can't go there and skate and ski, I don't think it's a suitable decision. ”

"I don't think boycotts can solve anything, or to go back to the Olympic spirit. In ancient times, in order to host the Olympic Games, both sides could truce. The so-called 'boycott' is also taking advantage of sports. To say, 'Don't send officials to China,' is it not going to go for the time being, or will you never go? I think everyone has the answer in mind, and this is a political show. Mueller said.

The IOC prohibits athletes from expressing their political demands at opening and closing ceremonies, in the venue, at award ceremonies and in the Olympic Village, but allows athletes to express themselves politically at press conferences, in mixed-taking areas and on social media. Mueller commented: "I went to the game as an ice hockey player, not a politician. I won't worry about this, and I won't worry about anything. ”

Mueller said sport cannot be abused by politics, much less pay for political mistakes. "Sport is not meant to divide people. We should see the Olympics as a handshake between different countries and cultures. (End)