IOC Cites ‘Human Rights’ as Reason for No Ban on Russian, Belarusian Athletes Competing in Asian Games

Olympic Rings in front of The Olympic House, headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the opening of the executive IOC board meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Sept. 8, 2022. Laurent Gillieron/Reuters

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Feb. 2 provided further details regarding its decision to consider allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus who have not actively supported the war in Ukraine to take part in international sports competitions in Asia.

The IOC said earlier in January that it “welcomed and appreciated” an offer by the Olympic Council of Asia for Russian and Belarusian athletes to have the chance to compete in Asia.