Neutral Pathway: Russian and Belarusian Athletes at Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony

Russian and Belarusian athletes competing as neutral individuals at the Paris Olympics will be allowed to join the Games' closing ceremony. These athletes were initially barred from the opening ceremony due to political tensions related to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The IOC has implemented strict screening for neutrality, sparking complaints of unfairness from Russian officials.

Russian and Belarusian athletes, competing as neutral individual athletes at the Paris Olympics, have been granted permission to participate in the Games' closing ceremony, the International Olympic Committee announced Saturday.

These athletes were excluded from the opening ceremony on July 26, which featured teams parading on boats down the Seine River. The IOC made this decision based on its principles of individual participation and conduct during the Games, stating that there will be no flag representing neutral athletes.

The ban on Russian and Belarusian teams stems from Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Only athletes cleared through a rigorous screening process, ensuring no public support for the war or military ties, were allowed to compete. Despite complaints from Russian officials about the fairness of these restrictions, 32 neutral athletes from these nations competed, with some returning home post-competition.

(With inputs from agencies.)