«This is certainly a good signal for world sports as well, because the events that have been unfolding over this period have been a certain test both for the entire Olympic movement and for our countries — Belarus and Russia. This is certainly a good signal, but if we follow the exact text of the resolution adopted by the IOC Executive Committee, it contains recommendations to international federations regarding the admission of athletes. Many of them have already made such decisions. I know that many international federation executive committee meetings will take place during June and September, and we hope that such decisions will be made,» said Aleksandr Baraulya.

He emphasized that the restrictions on athletes from Belarus and Russia are discriminatory and represent double standards. «They are applied to certain countries but not to others. That is unacceptable,» the deputy minister said.

«We hope that such decisions will gradually be adopted, and athletes, both Belarusian and Russian, will be allowed to compete. Because without the participation of the best athletes from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, world sports lose in terms of spectacle, appeal, and certain ideals,» Aleksandr Baraulya stressed.