In response to the IOC = International Olympic Committee's announcement that it would consider the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions, International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe said, "There are issues, but we are considering the path to return. I want to," he said, revealing the idea of ​​returning athletes from both countries to the international competition.

International gymnastics has announced that it will consider returning Russian and Belarusian athletes, who have been excluded from international competitions due to the military invasion of Ukraine, with conditions such as the IOC taking a neutral stance on the 25th. Federation Chairman Watanabe responded to NHK's telephone interview.



In this, Chairman Watanabe said, "There are many issues, but I would like to respect the IOC's decision and consider a path for athletes from both countries to return. Sports are independent of politics and athletes have the right to be treated without discrimination. It's our responsibility," he said, revealing the idea of ​​returning athletes from both countries to international competitions.



The International Gymnastics Federation is an international sports organization that oversees gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and trampoline as Olympic events. He is also a strong player who won a silver medal in the gymnastics team.

Meanwhile, Belarus also won the gold medal in men's trampoline.



Watanabe, who is also an IOC member, said that the policy of the International Gymnastics Federation this time does not directly lead to the participation of athletes from both countries in the Paris Olympics, but "There was a strong backlash from Europe, and the response was divided depending on the sport. It is expected that it will be done, ”he said, predicting that the adjustment will be difficult.