Russian archers refuse to participate in Paris Olympics

Leading Russian archers decided not to participate in the qualifying competitions for the 2024 Olympic Games, the head of the Archery Federation, Vladimir Yesheyev, said on Wednesday.

“Our athletes will not take part in the qualification for the Olympic Games. There are no people willing to perform without the flag and anthem in the national team, especially since we have many representing CSKA and Dynamo,” Yesheyev told reporters.”

“The Federation’s executive committee approved the participation of athletes with a neutral status, but they themselves have shown no interest in traveling to the Olympiad,” he added.

The Federation chief noted that in order to obtain a neutral status, Russian athletes had to be checked by the International Federation, and each had to pay 2,000 Swiss francs for the study of their personal data to meet the requirements for admission at the Games.

Russian archers won two silver medals at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The Paris Olympics are scheduled from July 26 to August 11.

Russian and Belarusian athletes will only be allowed to compete in them as neutral, as long as they are not associated with security agencies and do not represent team sports.

The International Olympic Committee will not require them to sign a document condemning the special military operation, but they will not be allowed to participate in the parade of athletes at the opening ceremony. If they win gold medals in Paris, they will be presented with a specially created music without lyrics.