Olympic Council of Asia invited Russia to participate in the Asian Games

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) offered to take part in the Asian Games subject to the conditions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of Russia and Belarus. Message about it published on the official website of the organization on Thursday, January 26. The Asian Games will be held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou this year: they will be held from September 23 to October 8.

Recall that the OCA is the highest sports body that controls all sports in Asia, and one of the five continental associations recognized by the IOC. The Council was formed in 1982 and is headquartered in Kuwait. Currently, this organization includes 45 National Olympic Committees of Asia. The main goal of the Council is to develop sports, culture and education of Asian youth, as well as to promote international cooperation through sports.

“The Olympic Council of Asia believes in the unifying power of sport and that all athletes, regardless of their nationality or passport, should be able to compete,” the sports association said in a statement. “The organization offered Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in Asian competitions, including the Asian Games.” The document also notes that the OCA is awaiting the decision of the IOC on the return of athletes from Russia and Belarus to international arenas.

On the eve of Wednesday, January 25, the IOC announced that they would consider the possibility of allowing Russian athletes who do not support the conduct of a special military operation in Ukraine to compete in a neutral status. In addition, the organization emphasized that athletes must comply with all the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Almost 11 months ago, on February 28, 2022, the IOC recommended that international sports federations prevent athletes from Russia and Belarus from participating in sporting events.