Up to 500 Russian and Belarusian athletes will likely be allowed to compete as neutrals on the Asian Games in China later this yr, organisers mentioned Saturday. Both international locations have been excluded from many sports activities occasions since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, although particular person athletes have since been allowed to compete underneath sure restrictions. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) earlier this yr mentioned {that a} pathway for his or her athletes’ participation within the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ought to be explored.

At a gathering in Bangkok Saturday, the General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia voted to permit a most of 500 rivals from the pariah international locations to compete, in order that they could try to qualify for Paris.

“We propose to allow Russian and Belarusian independent athletes — again, independent athletes; 500 the quota — to compete in neutral flag as independent athletes,” mentioned OCA director normal Husain al-Musallam, earlier than the meeting handed the movement.

He added that no politicians from Russia or Belarus could be invited to the Games — which kick off in Hangzhou in late September — and no symbols of both nation could be allowed.

The athletes additionally wouldn’t be in medal competition.

One of the world’s greatest multi-sport occasions, the Asian Games usually attracts greater than 10,000 athletes from throughout the continent.

The Hangzhou version was on account of happen in September 2022, however was postponed by a yr due to China’s strict Covid-19 guidelines.

Russian and Belarusian involvement at main occasions has met opposition in Europe, most vocally from Ukraine.

The IOC has made clear that such impartial participation will solely apply to people, not group sports activities.

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