Controversial IOC member assessed the chances of Russians participating in the Olympics

Russian athletes may participate in the Winter Olympic Games under a neutral status

According to glavcom.ua: The President of the Tennis Federation of Russia and IOC member Shamil Tarpishchev believes that there are good chances for Russian athletes to participate in the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in 2026. Tarpishchev stated that federations of various sports support the participation of Russians under a neutral flag.

The IOC previously noted that when deciding on the admission of Russians to the Olympic Games, it would take into account the geopolitical situation. The issue of allowing Russian athletes to the next Olympics will be discussed at IOC executive committee meetings in September and December.

There is great hope that Ukrainian sanctions against me will be lifted, but I will not rejoice at this – no one will benefit from it, Tarpishchev said.

Recently, it became known that Mirra Andreyeva, a Russian tennis player, supported the pro-Putin organization "People's Front," which caused outrage on social media. Her likes on publications by Anton Endzeevsky, a person from the sanctions organization, upset many users.

Shamil Tarpishchev believes in the possibility of Russian athletes participating in the Winter Olympic Games under a neutral flag, and a decision on this issue will be made after the IOC executive committee meetings in September and December. The news also mentions the scandalous behavior of Russian tennis player Mirra Andreyeva, which sparked outrage on social media. In the end, the quote from the President of the Tennis Federation of Russia emphasizes his position even in the context of the potential lifting of sanctions.