Sports should not be associated with political and military issues, but neither history nor reality is the opposite. The 33rd Summer Olympics will be held in Paris, France, in April this year, but regrettably, the IOC has previously stated in a public statement that Russia and Belarus are banned from participating due to problems with the Russia-Ukraine war. Although the IOC has not banned athletes from both countries outright, claiming that they can compete as individuals and are not allowed to participate in the opening ceremony and parade of the Olympic Games. But for Russia, an opportunity to improve its international image and prestige has undoubtedly been lost. In this regard, Russia has bitterly criticized the Olympic Committee's practice as "discriminatory".
In fact, as early as a few years before the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Russia was subjected to such punishments. For example, in 2020, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) declared that Russia would not be allowed to participate in various major international events, including the Tokyo Olympics, for two years after finding that the Russian Anti-Doping Center had violated the rules. Even Russian athletes who can prove their innocence can only compete as neutrals, and are forbidden to wear or wear clothing with any Russian inscriptions, and the Russian national anthem is not allowed to be played in the competition venue. Since then, Russia has used a lot of legal weapons to appeal, but with little success. And it's not just the country's athletes who are banned from racing, even Russia itself is deprived of the right to host world competitions.
(Pictured are Russia and the Olympic Committee)
Since it was treated differently by the Olympic Committee, Russia simply started anew. At the beginning of this year, Russia successfully hosted the World Games of the Future, during which more than 2,000 athletes from more than 100 countries participated. In order to cheer up Russia, the presidents of Belarus and Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of China, also made a special trip to attend. After that, Russia also plans to host the "World Friendship Games", which it estimates will also involve more than 70 countries and more than 5,000 athletes. In addition, Russia has decided to use the BRICS organization to host the BRICS Games in June of this year.
(The picture shows an old photo of the BRICS Games)
The reputation of the BRICS organization has increased dramatically in recent years, and in recent years there is a possibility of expanding its membership. Therefore, the Russian side estimates that in addition to the existing member states, other countries will participate in this Games. The Games will last for nearly half a month from June 11 to 23, with more than 60 countries participating and more than 5,000 athletes competing in 29 sports. With such a huge scale, it can already be called a large-scale international sports event. In addition, Russia called on the SCO to host the Games as well.
(The picture shows the scenery of the Paris Olympics)
Seeing that Russia is going to play against the table has already caused anger and tension in the IOC. There is even news that the International Olympic Committee has publicly warned that it will impose "sanctions" on participating countries and athletes. Russia responded that the Olympic Committee had overestimated its capabilities. Because the initiative to host the BRICS Games stems from the leaders of the five member states, there is no reason for the Olympic Committee and WADA to launch sanctions. The IOC's move may be due to the fear that Russia's high-level sports will weaken its influence. It is noteworthy that the Russian side also said that it would ensure equal conditions for all participants, and even issued an invitation to Ukrainian athletes. This is in stark contrast to some Western countries.
After the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the West launched sanctions against Russia in various fields. In the face of military threats and economic coercion from Western powers, Russia is still unwilling to give in, let alone the Olympic Committee. At present, it seems that Russia is going to start anew and sing this "confrontation play" with the Olympic Committee.