Belarus and Russia Call to Ensure Athletes' Right to Compete in All Tournaments

Belarus and Russia call on the world sports community to ensure all athletes in the world have their legitimate right to compete and represent their countries in all competitions without exception, to restore the independence and autonomy of the Olympic movement. This is stated in the declaration adopted on 18 October at a joint meeting of the athletes' commissions of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Belarus and the Russian Olympic Committee in Ufa, BELTA reports.

During the working meeting, the chairmen of the athletes' commissions of the two countries, Alexander Bogdanovich and Yuri Borzakovsky, noted that the relations between Belarusian and Russian athletes have significantly strengthened in recent years. The number of joint events is only increasing. Particular attention is paid to young athletes and tournaments with their participation. The parties also discussed plans for cooperation for the next year, which promises to be no less eventful for the commissions of the two countries.