The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on Saturday announced that it will allow the Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the upcoming Asian Games at Hangzhou, China later this year under the conditions that they feature under a neutral flag and won’t be eligible for any medals at the games.
The decision was reached upon during the latest OCA General Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand. It also means that over 500 athletes from both the countries are now eligible for qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Athletes from the two countries were banned from participating in major international competitions over a year ago owing to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The 2023 Asian Games will kick off in Hangzhou from September 23 and conclude on October 8.
Will Russia and Belarus volleyball team plays in the Asian game? Can Russia team come back to join international tournaments or even Paris Olympic 2024? It is still early to say!
Source: Indian express
