VIPs only will be allowed to drink alcohol during next year's Paris Olympics, organisers said Tuesday, in line with the so-called Evin law banning its sale in stadiums.

"In application of the Evin law, alcohol will be banned from sale to the general public in stadiums during the Paris 2024 Games," organisers of Paris 2024 told AFP.

Introduced in 1991, the Evin law outlaws the sale of alcohol in stadiums, but it has some loopholes.

Legislation allows organisers to request up to 10 exemptions per year and per municipality. But the organising committee of Paris 2024 said it did not seek any such exemption because the Games entail the organisation of "more than 700 sporting sessions over 15 days of competition".

The one exception at Paris 2024 under the law, however, will be for VIPs in hospitality boxes where food is also on offer.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-india-vs-pakistan-muttiah-muralitharan-names-the-match-he-is-looking-forward-to-in-odi-world-cup-609271">Not India vs Pakistan! Muttiah Muralitharan names the match he is looking forward to in ODI World Cup</a>"It is not up to Paris 2024 to comment on this difference, but to the legislator, in the last resort, to define the relevant framework for event organisers," the organising committee said.

Alcohol was available at the 2012 London Olympics and four years later in Rio, but the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games also banned it, albeit with no fans in the stadiums.

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VIPs only will be allowed to drink alcohol during next year's Paris Olympics, organisers said Tuesday, in line with the so-called Evin law banning its sale in stadiums.

VIPs only will be allowed to drink alcohol during next year's Paris Olympics, organisers said Tuesday, in line with the so-called Evin law banning its sale in stadiums. "In application of the Evin law, alcohol will be banned from sale to the general public in stadiums during the Paris 2024 Games," organisers of Paris 2024 told AFP. Introduced in 1991, the Evin law outlaws the sale of alcohol in stadiums, but it has some loopholes. Legislation allows organisers to request up to 10 exemptions per year and per municipality. But the organising committee of Paris 2024 said it did not seek any such exemption because the Games entail the organisation of "more than 700 sporting sessions over 15 days of competition". The one exception at Paris 2024 under the law, however, will be for VIPs in hospitality boxes where food is also on offer. ALSO READ | Not India vs Pakistan! Muttiah Muralitharan names the match he is looking forward to in ODI World Cup"It is not up to Paris 2024 to comment on this difference, but to the legislator, in the last resort, to define the relevant framework for event organisers," the organising committee said. Alcohol was available at the 2012 London Olympics and four years later in Rio, but the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games also banned it, albeit with no fans in the stadiums. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

VIPs exempt as Paris Olympics organisers confirm stadium alcohol ban

The International Boxing Association has compared the International Olympic Committee to fascist Germany, after its decision to expel the governing body. The IBA claims that the move will be catastrophic for global boxing.

The International Olympic Committee withdraws recognition of the IBA

The International Olympic Committee on Thursday withdrew its recognition of boxing's governing body, the IBA, but said the sport would be on the programme at the 2024 and 2028 Games in Paris and Los Angeles.

The IOC executive board voted by 69 votes to one, with 10 abstentions, to expel the International Boxing Association (IBA) from the Olympic Movement in a seismic move for the sport.

The IOC's decision brings to an end four years of sparring between the Olympic body and the under-fire custodians of a sport that has appeared at every Games since 1904.

The IBA was suspended by the IOC in 2019 for multiple corruption scandals.

The IBA, whose president is Umar Kremlev of Russia, has also come under attack for its governance, financial transparency and sustainability.

"The IOC has constantly and patiently tried to help in the three areas of concern," IOC director general Christophe De Kepper said at the IOC session in Lausanne.

"There has been a constant lack of drastic revolution throughout the many years. It is a situation of no return."

De Kepper added: "The IBA was unable to provide the elements to allow the lifting of its suspension.

"It is not possible to reach any other conclusion than agree with the IOC's analysis. The only conclusion is to withdraw recognition."

<h2>Olympic place guaranteed</h2>

The IOC has put in place the 'Paris Boxing Unit' to ensure qualification and hosting of the sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

De Kepper said he "guarantees" boxing will also be on programme for the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

IOC chief Thomas Bach, shortly before introducing De Kepper, told the session that "we have an extremely serious problem with the IBA".

"We do not have a problem with boxing. We do not have a problem with boxers," Bach said.

"If we had a problem with boxers there would not have been a competition in Tokyo. There would be no boxing competition in Paris."

Bach added: "We highly value the sport of boxing but unfortunately we have an extremely serious problem with the IBA because of their governance.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2023-bell-claims-australia-have-more-to-work-on-despite-cummins-cos-narrow-win-in-edgbaston-607319">Ashes 2023: Bell claims 'Australia have more to work on' despite Cummins &amp; Co.'s narrow win in Edgbaston</a>

"Because we value the sport of boxing so much, we believe the boxers fully deserve to be governed by an international federation with integrity and transparency."

The IBA's major backer has been Russian energy giant Gazprom in a deal worth a reported $50 million.

The IBA, in contrast to many other international sports bodies, continue to allow athletes from Russia and its political ally Belarus to compete under their own flags despite last year's invasion of Ukraine.

The Women's World Boxing Championships in India last month went ahead with several nations boycotting the event because of the IBA's policy.

Boxing only went ahead in the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics after the IOC stepped in to ensure the qualification criteria.

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The International Olympic Committee on Thursday withdrew its recognition of boxing's governing body, the IBA, but said the sport would be on the programme at the 2024 and 2028 Games in Paris and Los Angeles.

The International Olympic Committee on Thursday withdrew its recognition of boxing's governing body, the IBA, but said the sport would be on the programme at the 2024 and 2028 Games in Paris and Los Angeles. The IOC executive board voted by 69 votes to one, with 10 abstentions, to expel the International Boxing Association (IBA) from the Olympic Movement in a seismic move for the sport. The IOC's decision brings to an end four years of sparring between the Olympic body and the under-fire custodians of a sport that has appeared at every Games since 1904. The IBA was suspended by the IOC in 2019 for multiple corruption scandals. The IBA, whose president is Umar Kremlev of Russia, has also come under attack for its governance, financial transparency and sustainability. "The IOC has constantly and patiently tried to help in the three areas of concern," IOC director general Christophe De Kepper said at the IOC session in Lausanne. "There has been a constant lack of drastic revolution throughout the many years. It is a situation of no return." De Kepper added: "The IBA was unable to provide the elements to allow the lifting of its suspension. "It is not possible to reach any other conclusion than agree with the IOC's analysis. The only conclusion is to withdraw recognition." Olympic place guaranteed The IOC has put in place the 'Paris Boxing Unit' to ensure qualification and hosting of the sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics. De Kepper said he "guarantees" boxing will also be on programme for the Los Angeles Games in 2028. IOC chief Thomas Bach, shortly before introducing De Kepper, told the session that "we have an extremely serious problem with the IBA". "We do not have a problem with boxing. We do not have a problem with boxers," Bach said. "If we had a problem with boxers there would not have been a competition in Tokyo. There would be no boxing competition in Paris." Bach added: "We highly value the sport of boxing but unfortunately we have an extremely serious problem with the IBA because of their governance. ALSO READ | Ashes 2023: Bell claims 'Australia have more to work on' despite Cummins & Co.'s narrow win in Edgbaston "Because we value the sport of boxing so much, we believe the boxers fully deserve to be governed by an international federation with integrity and transparency." The IBA's major backer has been Russian energy giant Gazprom in a deal worth a reported $50 million. The IBA, in contrast to many other international sports bodies, continue to allow athletes from Russia and its political ally Belarus to compete under their own flags despite last year's invasion of Ukraine. The Women's World Boxing Championships in India last month went ahead with several nations boycotting the event because of the IBA's policy. Boxing only went ahead in the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics after the IOC stepped in to ensure the qualification criteria. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IOC guarantees boxing a place at Olympics despite ejecting IBA

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday appealed to Ukraine to give their athletes the chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics despite a partial ban on competing against Russian and Belarusian athletes. IOC President Thomas Bach said the Olympic body would support "every Ukrainian athlete" who wanted to take part in Olympic qualifying events in their respective sport.

"We want to make it possible for every Ukrainian athlete to qualify now and participate in the Olympic Games," Bach said at the start of an IOC session. "We will support every Ukrainian athlete in their preparation and participation in any competition they want to take part in," he said.

Ukraine in March banned its national sports teams from competing in Olympic, non-Olympic and Paralympic events that include competitors from Russia and Belarus. In some individual sports those Russian and Belarusian athletes remain banned but in others, such as&nbsp;tennis, Ukrainian players regularly face Russian or Belarusian competitors playing as neutral athletes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-paris-2024-headquarters-raided-in-corruption-allegations-606560">Olympics: Paris 2024 headquarters raided in corruption allegations</a>

Ukraine's ban came after the IOC angered Kyiv by paving the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, initially using its ally Belarus as a staging ground for troops driving towards Kyiv in what Moscow called a "special military operation".

Ukraine had previously warned its sports federations that it would strip them of their status as governing bodies if their athletes competed on the international stage with Russians and Belarusians. Athletes from Russia and Belarus were banned from most international competitions last year following Russia's invasion.

But the IOC earlier this year recommended they return to world sport as neutrals, without flag or anthem. No decision has yet been taken on Russian and Belarusian athletes' participation at the Paris Olympics next year.

"The entire Olympic community, the entire world is longing for Ukrainian athletes shining brightly in international competitions," Bach said. "We want them to have the opportunity to qualify for Paris 2024. This means participating now."

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday appealed to Ukraine to give their athletes the chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics despite a partial ban on competing against Russian and Belarusian athletes.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday appealed to Ukraine to give their athletes the chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics despite a partial ban on competing against Russian and Belarusian athletes. IOC President Thomas Bach said the Olympic body would support "every Ukrainian athlete" who wanted to take part in Olympic qualifying events in their respective sport. "We want to make it possible for every Ukrainian athlete to qualify now and participate in the Olympic Games," Bach said at the start of an IOC session. "We will support every Ukrainian athlete in their preparation and participation in any competition they want to take part in," he said. Ukraine in March banned its national sports teams from competing in Olympic, non-Olympic and Paralympic events that include competitors from Russia and Belarus. In some individual sports those Russian and Belarusian athletes remain banned but in others, such as tennis, Ukrainian players regularly face Russian or Belarusian competitors playing as neutral athletes. Also read: Olympics: Paris 2024 headquarters raided in corruption allegations Ukraine's ban came after the IOC angered Kyiv by paving the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, initially using its ally Belarus as a staging ground for troops driving towards Kyiv in what Moscow called a "special military operation". Ukraine had previously warned its sports federations that it would strip them of their status as governing bodies if their athletes competed on the international stage with Russians and Belarusians. Athletes from Russia and Belarus were banned from most international competitions last year following Russia's invasion. But the IOC earlier this year recommended they return to world sport as neutrals, without flag or anthem. No decision has yet been taken on Russian and Belarusian athletes' participation at the Paris Olympics next year. "The entire Olympic community, the entire world is longing for Ukrainian athletes shining brightly in international competitions," Bach said. "We want them to have the opportunity to qualify for Paris 2024. This means participating now."

Ukrainian athletes should have chance to qualify for Paris 2024, says IOC

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition as neutrals is "confusing" because Ukraine is still under attack,&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;world number one Iga Swiatek said.

The IOC sanctioned Russia and Belarus after Moscow launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 but is now eager to see athletes come back across all sports and have a chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Russia says it is prosecuting a "special military operation" in Ukraine. Russian and Belarusian&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;players have been competing on the tours and at the other Grand Slams as neutrals since March last year.

"Right now the situation is pretty complicated because at the beginning of the war there weren't many decisions one way. At first they (Russian and Belarusian athletes) were kind of banned in other sports, not in&nbsp;tennis," Swiatek told reporters on Thursday. "Then it changed a little bit and they are starting to be allowed, which is pretty confusing because I feel nothing changed in Ukraine and the cities are still under attack. "Many Ukrainian athletes are fighting in the war and losing their lives. It's heartbreaking."

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Poland's Swiatek, who wears a Ukrainian flag on her cap during matches, has previously said&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;missed an opportunity to send a strong message to Moscow by failing to impose a blanket ban on players from Russia and its ally Belarus. "I just hope no matter what the decisions is going to be, the sport will be able to kind of put people together and not separate them," Swiatek added.

"But there are tensions, so it may be tricky and hard to do, but you know me as just one athlete, I don't have full influence on what's going on, so we kind of have to just compete (at) our best no matter what the circumstances are."

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition as neutrals is "confusing" because Ukraine is still under attack, tennis world number one Iga Swiatek said.

The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) recommendation to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to international competition as neutrals is "confusing" because Ukraine is still under attack, tennis world number one Iga Swiatek said. The IOC sanctioned Russia and Belarus after Moscow launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 but is now eager to see athletes come back across all sports and have a chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Russia says it is prosecuting a "special military operation" in Ukraine. Russian and Belarusian tennis players have been competing on the tours and at the other Grand Slams as neutrals since March last year. "Right now the situation is pretty complicated because at the beginning of the war there weren't many decisions one way. At first they (Russian and Belarusian athletes) were kind of banned in other sports, not in tennis," Swiatek told reporters on Thursday. "Then it changed a little bit and they are starting to be allowed, which is pretty confusing because I feel nothing changed in Ukraine and the cities are still under attack. "Many Ukrainian athletes are fighting in the war and losing their lives. It's heartbreaking." Also read: US House approves transgender athlete ban for girls and women's teams Poland's Swiatek, who wears a Ukrainian flag on her cap during matches, has previously said tennis missed an opportunity to send a strong message to Moscow by failing to impose a blanket ban on players from Russia and its ally Belarus. "I just hope no matter what the decisions is going to be, the sport will be able to kind of put people together and not separate them," Swiatek added. "But there are tensions, so it may be tricky and hard to do, but you know me as just one athlete, I don't have full influence on what's going on, so we kind of have to just compete (at) our best no matter what the circumstances are."

Paris Olympics: IOC stance on Russians, Belarusians 'confusing', says No. 1 ranked Iga Swiatek

The International Olympic Committee's recommendation that Russian and Belarusian athletes compete as neutrals is "shameful", Poland's prime minister said on Wednesday, adding that Poland would build a coalition to demand its reversal.

Polish PM slams "shameful" IOC decision on Russia and Belarus

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday issued recommendations for the gradual return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competition. Olympic chiefs, as per AFP, recommended their return as individual neutrals but refrained from giving a timeline on their potential participation at next year's Paris Olympics. As per Reuters, the IOC Executive Board will take a decision regarding the Paris Olympics at a later date. IOC president Thomas Bach said that the board had recommended to international federations and sports event organisers that "athletes with a Russian or a Belarusian passport must compete only as Individual Neutral Athletes," with no flag or anthem.

Bach said that politics could not be part of sports competitions and that athletes should not be punished for their passports.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;IOC hopes that British Government "respect autonomy of sport" over Russia stance

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The IOC recommendations include only neutral entries, along with a ban on participation in team events. Additionally, athletes must have a proven drug testing record. Furthermore, sports persons&nbsp;who support the Ukraine war or are contracted to their countries' military or national security agencies are to be excluded.

Talking about the Paris Olympics decision, Bach said: "The IOC will take this decision at the appropriate time at its full discretion, without being bound by results of previous Olympic qualifiers." He did not specify a time frame.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ukraine-allies-slam-ioc-say-not-a-single-reason-to-lift-olympics-ban-on-athletes-from-russia-and-belarus-576414">Ukraine allies slam IOC, say 'not a single reason' to lift olympics ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus</a>

Ukraine welcomed the decision to "postpone" the decision regarding Russian and Belarusian athletes' participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.&nbsp;

However, Russian Olympic Committee chief, Stanislav Pozdnyakov, labelled the recommendations "absolutely unacceptable."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-ioc-to-have-last-word-on-russian-inclusion-says-organising-committee-head-tony-estanguet-572041">Paris Olympics: IOC to have 'last word' on Russian inclusion, says organising committee head Tony Estanguet</a>

Many other countries reacted angrily. Czech&nbsp;Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said Russia had no place in the Olympics, and that he was "disappointed by the IOC recommendations."

Ukraine's neighbour Poland called it a "day of shame" for the Olympic body.&nbsp;Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk took to Twitter to ask "What happened that was so positive from the Russian side that their athletes should take part in competitions!!."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday issued recommendations for the gradual return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competition.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday issued recommendations for the gradual return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competition. Olympic chiefs, as per AFP, recommended their return as individual neutrals but refrained from giving a timeline on their potential participation at next year's Paris Olympics. As per Reuters, the IOC Executive Board will take a decision regarding the Paris Olympics at a later date. IOC president Thomas Bach said that the board had recommended to international federations and sports event organisers that "athletes with a Russian or a Belarusian passport must compete only as Individual Neutral Athletes," with no flag or anthem. Bach said that politics could not be part of sports competitions and that athletes should not be punished for their passports. Watch | IOC hopes that British Government "respect autonomy of sport" over Russia stance The IOC recommendations include only neutral entries, along with a ban on participation in team events. Additionally, athletes must have a proven drug testing record. Furthermore, sports persons who support the Ukraine war or are contracted to their countries' military or national security agencies are to be excluded. Talking about the Paris Olympics decision, Bach said: "The IOC will take this decision at the appropriate time at its full discretion, without being bound by results of previous Olympic qualifiers." He did not specify a time frame. Also read | Ukraine allies slam IOC, say 'not a single reason' to lift olympics ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus Ukraine welcomed the decision to "postpone" the decision regarding Russian and Belarusian athletes' participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, Russian Olympic Committee chief, Stanislav Pozdnyakov, labelled the recommendations "absolutely unacceptable." Also read | Paris Olympics: IOC to have 'last word' on Russian inclusion, says organising committee head Tony Estanguet Many other countries reacted angrily. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said Russia had no place in the Olympics, and that he was "disappointed by the IOC recommendations." Ukraine's neighbour Poland called it a "day of shame" for the Olympic body. Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk took to Twitter to ask "What happened that was so positive from the Russian side that their athletes should take part in competitions!!." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IOC backs Russian, Belarusian athletes return as 'neutral' entries to events; no decision on Paris Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday issued recommendations for the gradual return to international competitions for Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutrals, with President Thomas Bach saying their participation "works" despite the war in Ukraine.

IOC issues recommendations for Russian athletes' return to competitions

Has the IOC cleared the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the Paris Olympics? The WION Sports team discusses the ramifications of the IOC's announcement.

Has IOC cleared way for Russian, Belarusian athletes at Paris Olympics? | WION Sports Extra

There is "not a single reason" to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Olympics, said Ukraine, Poland and the Baltics nation on Monday as they reiterated their call to maintain the restrictions. Their statement comes as the IOC (International Olympic Committee) executive board prepares for a meeting in Lausanne. The meeting that begins on Tuesday will discuss the issue of the Russian athletes.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;IOC hopes that British Government "respect autonomy of sport" over Russia stance

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Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in the statement which is co-signed by Ukraine, the target of Russian aggression say "there exists not a single reason to move away from the exclusion regime for Russian and Belarusian athletes set by the IOC more than a year ago."

The nations further added that they were of the opinion that "now is not the time to consider the opening up of a pathway for Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to the Olympic Games in any status."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-ioc-to-have-last-word-on-russian-inclusion-says-organising-committee-head-tony-estanguet-572041">Paris Olympics: IOC to have 'last word' on Russian inclusion, says organising committee head Tony Estanguet</a>

In January, as per AFP, the IOC said that while it wants to continue its ban "on flag, anthem, colours or any other identifications" from Russia and Belarus, it was seeking a pathway to let their athletes compete provided that they have "not actively supported the war in Ukraine".

The statement was made as the Paris Olympics loom on the horizon, not even 500 days away.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-over-30-countries-write-to-ioc-demanding-clarity-on-allowing-russian-belarusian-athletes-564183">Paris Olympics: Over 30 Countries write to IOC demanding clarity on allowing Russian, Belarusian athletes</a>

War-torn Ukraine's allies, however, were not pleased by the IOC's stand and slammed the international body for its&nbsp;efforts to bring Russians and Belarusians into international competitions. As per the&nbsp;AFP report, Estonia even brought up the idea of a boycott of the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, if Russians are&nbsp;given the opportunity to compete.

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There is "not a single reason" to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Olympics, said Ukraine, Poland and the Baltics nation on Monday as they reiterated their call to maintain the restrictions.

There is "not a single reason" to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Olympics, said Ukraine, Poland and the Baltics nation on Monday as they reiterated their call to maintain the restrictions. Their statement comes as the IOC (International Olympic Committee) executive board prepares for a meeting in Lausanne. The meeting that begins on Tuesday will discuss the issue of the Russian athletes. Watch | IOC hopes that British Government "respect autonomy of sport" over Russia stance Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia in the statement which is co-signed by Ukraine, the target of Russian aggression say "there exists not a single reason to move away from the exclusion regime for Russian and Belarusian athletes set by the IOC more than a year ago." The nations further added that they were of the opinion that "now is not the time to consider the opening up of a pathway for Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to the Olympic Games in any status." Also read | Paris Olympics: IOC to have 'last word' on Russian inclusion, says organising committee head Tony Estanguet In January, as per AFP, the IOC said that while it wants to continue its ban "on flag, anthem, colours or any other identifications" from Russia and Belarus, it was seeking a pathway to let their athletes compete provided that they have "not actively supported the war in Ukraine". The statement was made as the Paris Olympics loom on the horizon, not even 500 days away. Also read | Paris Olympics: Over 30 Countries write to IOC demanding clarity on allowing Russian, Belarusian athletes War-torn Ukraine's allies, however, were not pleased by the IOC's stand and slammed the international body for its efforts to bring Russians and Belarusians into international competitions. As per the AFP report, Estonia even brought up the idea of a boycott of the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, if Russians are given the opportunity to compete. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine allies slam IOC, say 'not a single reason' to lift olympics ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus

The Olympic Games and its ruling body, the International Olympic Committee, cannot be referees in global political disputes, its president Thomas Bach said on Wednesday, defending the IOC's plans to includes Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Paris 2024 Games.

IOC's Thomas Bach defends Russia stance amid pro-Ukraine protest

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) rejected fierce criticism from Ukrainian officials, who have accused it of promoting war after the body said Russians could potentially be given the opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

WION Fineprint: IOC rejects defamatory criticism from Ukraine

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Wednesday (January 25) that a pathway for the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes should be further explored for next year's Paris Olympics, ignoring calls from the Ukrainian government to ban them completely. In a statement, the IOC said that no athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport.&nbsp;

"Respect the rights of all athletes to be treated without any discrimination, in accordance with the Olympic Charter. Governments must not decide which athletes can participate in which competition and which athletes cannot," the statement said. "A pathway for athletes’ participation in competition under strict conditions should therefore be further explored," it added.

As per the IOC, the first strict condition was that athletes from Russia and Belarus would participate in competitions as “neutral athletes” and in no way represent their state or any other organisation in their country.

The second condition was only athletes who fully respect the Olympic Charter would participate. "This means in particular: first, only those who have not acted against the peace mission of the IOC by actively supporting the war in Ukraine could compete. Second, only athletes who fully comply with the World Anti-Doping Code and all relevant anti-doping rules and regulations would be eligible. There must be individual checks carried out for all entered athletes," the statement added.&nbsp;

The IOC warned that athletes failing to respect the conditions should be immediately removed from the competition by the sports event organiser, suspended from further competitions and report such incidents to "the committee for its consideration for further measures and sanctions."

The committee also said that there was unanimous support to continue and even strengthen the full and unwavering commitment to solidarity with the Ukrainian athletes and the Ukrainian Olympic community to have a strong team from the NOC of Ukraine at the Paris Olympics.&nbsp;

The IOC's statement comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a total exclusion of Russian and Belurasian athletes. After speaking with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, Zelensky posted on Telegram on Tuesday, "I particularly emphasised that athletes from Russia should have no place at the Olympic Games in Paris."

Meanwhile, after the IOC's remarks, the Russian Olympic Committee president Stanislav Pozdnyakov said later on Wednesday that the voice of common sense had been heard. “The priority for us remains the same — to secure the rights and interests of our athletes,” Pozdnyakov said, the news agency AP reported.&nbsp;

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Wednesday (January 25) that a pathway for the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes should be further explored for next year's Paris Olympics, ignoring calls from the Ukrainian government to ban them completely.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Wednesday (January 25) that a pathway for the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes should be further explored for next year's Paris Olympics, ignoring calls from the Ukrainian government to ban them completely. In a statement, the IOC said that no athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport. "Respect the rights of all athletes to be treated without any discrimination, in accordance with the Olympic Charter. Governments must not decide which athletes can participate in which competition and which athletes cannot," the statement said. "A pathway for athletes’ participation in competition under strict conditions should therefore be further explored," it added. As per the IOC, the first strict condition was that athletes from Russia and Belarus would participate in competitions as “neutral athletes” and in no way represent their state or any other organisation in their country. The second condition was only athletes who fully respect the Olympic Charter would participate. "This means in particular: first, only those who have not acted against the peace mission of the IOC by actively supporting the war in Ukraine could compete. Second, only athletes who fully comply with the World Anti-Doping Code and all relevant anti-doping rules and regulations would be eligible. There must be individual checks carried out for all entered athletes," the statement added. The IOC warned that athletes failing to respect the conditions should be immediately removed from the competition by the sports event organiser, suspended from further competitions and report such incidents to "the committee for its consideration for further measures and sanctions." The committee also said that there was unanimous support to continue and even strengthen the full and unwavering commitment to solidarity with the Ukrainian athletes and the Ukrainian Olympic community to have a strong team from the NOC of Ukraine at the Paris Olympics. The IOC's statement comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a total exclusion of Russian and Belurasian athletes. After speaking with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, Zelensky posted on Telegram on Tuesday, "I particularly emphasised that athletes from Russia should have no place at the Olympic Games in Paris." Meanwhile, after the IOC's remarks, the Russian Olympic Committee president Stanislav Pozdnyakov said later on Wednesday that the voice of common sense had been heard. “The priority for us remains the same — to secure the rights and interests of our athletes,” Pozdnyakov said, the news agency AP reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IOC to explore pathway for Russian, Belarusian athletes to compete in Paris Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday raised the possibility of boxing being excluded from the 2024 Paris Games, saying its Russian-led world body showed it had "no real interest" in the sport or its athletes. The International Boxing Association (IBA) was stripped of involvement in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and boxing is not on the initial programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, pending reforms demanded by the IOC.

Qualifying for the Paris 2024 boxing tournament is being organised by the IOC but it said that concerns regarding the IBA mean it will take further decisions that "may have to include the cancellation of boxing for the Olympic Games Paris 2024".

An IOC spokesperson said: "The recent IBA Congress has shown once more that IBA has no real interest in the sport of boxing and the boxers, but is only interested in its own power.

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"The decisions and discussions to keep boxers away from the Olympic qualifiers and the Olympic Games cannot be understood differently."

The IBA is run by Russian Umar Kremlev with backing from Russian energy firm Gazprom. The IOC spokesperson said the IBA extending its deal with Gazprom recently showed it had "no will to understand the real issues.

"The extension of the sponsorship contract with Gazprom as sole main sponsor of IBA reinforces the concerns, which the IOC has expressed since 2019 over and over again," the spokesperson added.

"This announcement confirms that IBA will continue to depend on a company largely controlled by the Russian government."

An extraordinary IBA congress in September voted against holding a new election, allowing Kremlev to remain as president, after a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that Dutch candidate Boris van der Vorst was wrongly prevented from standing.

The spokesperson said the IOC's concerns included the handling of the CAS decision.

"The IOC will have to take all this into consideration when it takes further decisions, which may -- after these latest developments -- have to include the cancellation of boxing for the Olympic Games Paris 2024."

IBA replied on Friday with a message to what the organisation referred to as the boxing family, saying they will continue to fight for its athletes to compete in the Olympics.

"It is clear, that the persecution of IBA athletes will continue until ultimate control of boxing and its leadership has been achieved," IBA said in a statement.

"The discrimination against you and IBA’s leadership and partners based on citizenship, directly contradicts the Olympic Charter, and only highlights the issue of athletes and sport being manipulated for geopolitical purposes.

"With that said, with the threat of Boxing being removed from the Paris 2024 programme, IBA will continue to reach out to the senior leadership of the IOC to work towards a de-escalation of this current development and with a view to LA 2028."

Earlier this month, the IBA accused Olympic organisers of "persecution" in response to its suspension over governance and finance issues.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday raised the possibility of boxing being excluded from the 2024 Paris Games, saying its Russian-led world body showed it had "no real interest" in the sport or its athletes.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday raised the possibility of boxing being excluded from the 2024 Paris Games, saying its Russian-led world body showed it had "no real interest" in the sport or its athletes. The International Boxing Association (IBA) was stripped of involvement in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and boxing is not on the initial programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, pending reforms demanded by the IOC. Qualifying for the Paris 2024 boxing tournament is being organised by the IOC but it said that concerns regarding the IBA mean it will take further decisions that "may have to include the cancellation of boxing for the Olympic Games Paris 2024". An IOC spokesperson said: "The recent IBA Congress has shown once more that IBA has no real interest in the sport of boxing and the boxers, but is only interested in its own power. ALSO READ: YouTube TV win rights to broadcast NFL matches in USA in 2023 "The decisions and discussions to keep boxers away from the Olympic qualifiers and the Olympic Games cannot be understood differently." The IBA is run by Russian Umar Kremlev with backing from Russian energy firm Gazprom. The IOC spokesperson said the IBA extending its deal with Gazprom recently showed it had "no will to understand the real issues. "The extension of the sponsorship contract with Gazprom as sole main sponsor of IBA reinforces the concerns, which the IOC has expressed since 2019 over and over again," the spokesperson added. "This announcement confirms that IBA will continue to depend on a company largely controlled by the Russian government." An extraordinary IBA congress in September voted against holding a new election, allowing Kremlev to remain as president, after a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that Dutch candidate Boris van der Vorst was wrongly prevented from standing. The spokesperson said the IOC's concerns included the handling of the CAS decision. "The IOC will have to take all this into consideration when it takes further decisions, which may -- after these latest developments -- have to include the cancellation of boxing for the Olympic Games Paris 2024." IBA replied on Friday with a message to what the organisation referred to as the boxing family, saying they will continue to fight for its athletes to compete in the Olympics. "It is clear, that the persecution of IBA athletes will continue until ultimate control of boxing and its leadership has been achieved," IBA said in a statement. "The discrimination against you and IBA’s leadership and partners based on citizenship, directly contradicts the Olympic Charter, and only highlights the issue of athletes and sport being manipulated for geopolitical purposes. "With that said, with the threat of Boxing being removed from the Paris 2024 programme, IBA will continue to reach out to the senior leadership of the IOC to work towards a de-escalation of this current development and with a view to LA 2028." Earlier this month, the IBA accused Olympic organisers of "persecution" in response to its suspension over governance and finance issues.

Boxing is on verge of getting excluded from 2024 Paris Olympics, hints IOC

Athletes from Russia and Belarus may not be allowed to compete at the Paris 2024 Games over Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine, senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Craig Reedie said. The IOC issued guidance to sports governing bodies in February to remove the two countries` athletes from competition. Belarus has been used as a staging ground for Russia`s invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation".

"A decision is going to have to be taken on what happens to each of these two countries, and my guess is that the general feeling would be that they should not qualify," former IOC vice-president Reedie told British media.

"Most people are struggling with how we could achieve some degree of representation, but at the moment, there is no clear way to do it. Therefore, you maintain the status quo."

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Athletes will miss qualification events for Paris as a result of the measures, and IOC President Thomas Bach said in May that Russia`s participation was unclear. It has, however, not sanctioned or banned Russian members who sit on the IOC from taking part in Olympic meetings and has also not sanctioned the Russian Olympic Committee.

Of the sports on the Olympic programme, only cycling, tennis and judo have allowed Russians and Belarusians to continue to compete but Reedie said he doubted even athletes from those sports would be permitted to participate in qualifying events.

Reedie, former president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), said it would be unrealistic to allow athletes to enter qualifying competitions once they have begun.

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"It`s quite difficult halfway through to say, `All of you who have now qualified we`ve changed the rules`," Reedie said.

"So there`s a real issue for the federations, who have a clear instruction which they`ve agreed to that they won`t invite Russians and Belarusians to take part in events.

"On the face of it, it`s unlikely that anybody would qualify other than those three sports which don`t do it that way. And will they be able to qualify (from those three sports)? I`m not sure."

A Russian doping scandal, involving revelations of a state-backed system across many sports, following the Sochi 2014 Olympics led to Russian athletes competing as neutrals at the Games as part of IOC sanctions.

Athletes from Russia and Belarus may not be allowed to compete at the Paris 2024 Games over Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine, senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Craig Reedie said.

Athletes from Russia and Belarus may not be allowed to compete at the Paris 2024 Games over Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine, senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Craig Reedie said. The IOC issued guidance to sports governing bodies in February to remove the two countries` athletes from competition. Belarus has been used as a staging ground for Russia`s invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation". "A decision is going to have to be taken on what happens to each of these two countries, and my guess is that the general feeling would be that they should not qualify," former IOC vice-president Reedie told British media. "Most people are struggling with how we could achieve some degree of representation, but at the moment, there is no clear way to do it. Therefore, you maintain the status quo." Also Read: 'Don't think I need....' - Roger Federer hints at calling it quits after skipping Wimbledon 2022 Athletes will miss qualification events for Paris as a result of the measures, and IOC President Thomas Bach said in May that Russia`s participation was unclear. It has, however, not sanctioned or banned Russian members who sit on the IOC from taking part in Olympic meetings and has also not sanctioned the Russian Olympic Committee. Of the sports on the Olympic programme, only cycling, tennis and judo have allowed Russians and Belarusians to continue to compete but Reedie said he doubted even athletes from those sports would be permitted to participate in qualifying events. Reedie, former president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), said it would be unrealistic to allow athletes to enter qualifying competitions once they have begun. Also Read: 'They should be ashamed': Vettel, Hamilton slam racist crowd after fans face abuse during Austrian GP "It`s quite difficult halfway through to say, `All of you who have now qualified we`ve changed the rules`," Reedie said. "So there`s a real issue for the federations, who have a clear instruction which they`ve agreed to that they won`t invite Russians and Belarusians to take part in events. "On the face of it, it`s unlikely that anybody would qualify other than those three sports which don`t do it that way. And will they be able to qualify (from those three sports)? I`m not sure." A Russian doping scandal, involving revelations of a state-backed system across many sports, following the Sochi 2014 Olympics led to Russian athletes competing as neutrals at the Games as part of IOC sanctions.

Russia, Belarus athletes may face ban at Paris Olympics 2024, says IOC member Craig Reedie

The country woke up to an unprecedented oil price hike pushing the country into a deeper economic crisis; the Lanka IOC unit in Sri Lanka has now increased oil prices of petrol and diesel by 50 Lankan rupees and 75 Sri Lankan rupees respectively from Thursday. For the first time in history, a liter of petrol cost 250 Sri Lankan rupees while a liter of diesel has touched 200 Sri Lankan rupees.

Sri Lanka's fuel prices cross record in history; Lankan rupees depreciates 30% in 2 days

From FIFA to IOC: How sporting bodies have shunned Russia after Ukraine invasion

The International Olympic Committee's executive board has recommended that international sports federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from competing in events, it said on Monday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The IOC said it made the decision "in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants".

The IOC also urged federations to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus would be allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus.

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"Russian or Belarusian nationals, be it as individuals or teams, should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams. No national symbols, colours, flags or anthems should be displayed," the statement added.

The IOC also said it had taken the ad hoc decision to withdraw the Olympic Order from all persons who currently have an important function in the government of the Russian Federation, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

It said it made the decision based on "the exceptional circumstances of the situation and considering the extremely grave violation of the Olympic Truce and other violations of the Olympic Charter by the Russian government in the past".

The International Olympic Committee's executive board has recommended that international sports federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from competing in events, it said on Monday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee's executive board has recommended that international sports federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from competing in events, it said on Monday, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The IOC said it made the decision "in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants". The IOC also urged federations to ensure that no athlete or sports official from Russia or Belarus would be allowed to take part under the name of Russia or Belarus. ALSO READ: Badminton World Federation cancels events in Russia, Belarus amid Ukraine crisis "Russian or Belarusian nationals, be it as individuals or teams, should be accepted only as neutral athletes or neutral teams. No national symbols, colours, flags or anthems should be displayed," the statement added. The IOC also said it had taken the ad hoc decision to withdraw the Olympic Order from all persons who currently have an important function in the government of the Russian Federation, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. It said it made the decision based on "the exceptional circumstances of the situation and considering the extremely grave violation of the Olympic Truce and other violations of the Olympic Charter by the Russian government in the past".

IOC recommends banning participation of Russian, Belarusian athletes and officials in international events

Athletes from Ukraine and other nations have called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to suspend Russia and Belarus and ban their athletes from events immediately.

Ukraine's health ministry said on Sunday that 352 civilians, including 14 children, had been killed since Russia's invasion of the country last week.

Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation".

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"Russia's invasion of Ukraine, supported by Belarus, is a clear breach of the Olympic and Paralympic Charters -- a breach that must be met with strong sanctions," the athletes said in an open letter to IOC President Thomas Bach and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) chief Andrew Parsons.

The letter, released by the Global Athlete movement, which aims to empower athletes, said that Ukrainian sportspeople and their families in the country were in "grave danger" and it had been a challenge to speak to them as they were in bomb shelters.

It added that refusing to take swift action and suspend the National Olympic Committees of Russia and Belarus would send the wrong message.

"Your lack of action will send a message to every athlete in the world that you have chosen Russia and Belarus interests over athlete interests. Your legacy will be defined by your actions," the letter said.

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The letter received widespread support, including from British former marathon runner Paula Radcliffe and Canadian former cross-country skier Beckie Scott.

The IOC has said international sports federations should either move or cancel sports events currently planned in Russia or Belarus, while the IOC's executive said Russian and Belarusian national flags should not be displayed at international sports events.

Athletes from Ukraine and other nations have called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to suspend Russia and Belarus and ban their athletes from events immediately.

Athletes from Ukraine and other nations have called on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to suspend Russia and Belarus and ban their athletes from events immediately. Ukraine's health ministry said on Sunday that 352 civilians, including 14 children, had been killed since Russia's invasion of the country last week. Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation". ALSO READ: FIFA bans matches in Russia following Ukraine crisis, no flag or anthem for team "Russia's invasion of Ukraine, supported by Belarus, is a clear breach of the Olympic and Paralympic Charters -- a breach that must be met with strong sanctions," the athletes said in an open letter to IOC President Thomas Bach and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) chief Andrew Parsons. The letter, released by the Global Athlete movement, which aims to empower athletes, said that Ukrainian sportspeople and their families in the country were in "grave danger" and it had been a challenge to speak to them as they were in bomb shelters. It added that refusing to take swift action and suspend the National Olympic Committees of Russia and Belarus would send the wrong message. "Your lack of action will send a message to every athlete in the world that you have chosen Russia and Belarus interests over athlete interests. Your legacy will be defined by your actions," the letter said. ALSO READ: Premier League: Leeds United part ways with head coach Marcelo Bielsa The letter received widespread support, including from British former marathon runner Paula Radcliffe and Canadian former cross-country skier Beckie Scott. The IOC has said international sports federations should either move or cancel sports events currently planned in Russia or Belarus, while the IOC's executive said Russian and Belarusian national flags should not be displayed at international sports events.

Ukrainian athletes calls on IOC, IPC to suspend Russia, Belarus

China's Sui Wenjing and Han Cong made sure the Beijing Games'&nbsp;controversial figure skating competition ended in celebration on Saturday by winning the pairs title for the sport's final gold medal to the rapture of local fans.

Fevered cheers and thunderous applause filled the Beijing Capital Indoor Stadium as the pair's free skate score was announced in Mandarin, giving China the first figure skating trophy since pairs Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo in 2010.

Sui and Han, partners for 15 years - their entire career since they were children - were clearly in their element on home ice as they executed a series of high-scoring elements.

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Their opening quadruple twist lift in their free skate to "Bridge Over Troubled Water" sent spectators into a frenzy, with cheers erupting between hushed moments as they performed most of their jumps and throws with clockwork precision.

Their final score of 239.88 beat the world record of 239.82 held by Russians Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov.

Russians Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov took silver with 239.25 points while the Mishina-Galliamov duo won bronze with 237.71.

The Games'&nbsp;figure skating competition has been embroiled in turmoil over Russian teen Kamila Valieva's doping case.

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The 15-year-old, now back in Russia, was cleared to compete in the women's singles event despite having tested positive for a banned substance prior to the Games.

She finished in fourth place amid all the drama.

China's Sui Wenjing and Han Cong made sure the Beijing Games' controversial figure skating competition ended in celebration on Saturday by winning the pairs title for the sport's final gold medal to the rapture of local fans.

China's Sui Wenjing and Han Cong made sure the Beijing Games' controversial figure skating competition ended in celebration on Saturday by winning the pairs title for the sport's final gold medal to the rapture of local fans. Fevered cheers and thunderous applause filled the Beijing Capital Indoor Stadium as the pair's free skate score was announced in Mandarin, giving China the first figure skating trophy since pairs Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo in 2010. Sui and Han, partners for 15 years - their entire career since they were children - were clearly in their element on home ice as they executed a series of high-scoring elements. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Bart Swings tops mass start, brings first Belgian Winter gold in 74 years Their opening quadruple twist lift in their free skate to "Bridge Over Troubled Water" sent spectators into a frenzy, with cheers erupting between hushed moments as they performed most of their jumps and throws with clockwork precision. Their final score of 239.88 beat the world record of 239.82 held by Russians Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov. Russians Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov took silver with 239.25 points while the Mishina-Galliamov duo won bronze with 237.71. The Games' figure skating competition has been embroiled in turmoil over Russian teen Kamila Valieva's doping case. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: United Stated appeal to CAS to award team medals The 15-year-old, now back in Russia, was cleared to compete in the women's singles event despite having tested positive for a banned substance prior to the Games. She finished in fourth place amid all the drama.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Chinese pair of Sui Wenjing and Han Cong win gold medal in figure skating

Lawyers for the United States figure skating athletes have asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to rule that the skaters can receive their team silver medals before the end of the Beijing Olympics, a U.S. Figure Skating spokesman said on Saturday.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had decided no medals for the competition -- won by the Russian Olympic Committee team -- would be presented until the doping case of Russian 15-year-old Kamila Valieva had been resolved.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-bart-swings-tops-mass-start-brings-first-belgian-winter-gold-in-74-years-454568">Beijing Winter Olympics: Bart Swings tops mass start, brings first Belgian Winter gold in 74 years</a>

That matter could take weeks or months.

Russia finished top, the U.S. second and Japan third. Canada were fourth in the event on Feb. 7.

Valieva tested positive for a banned heart drug after the Russian national championships on Dec. 25 but the result was not revealed until Feb. 8, the day after she helped the ROC win the team competition.

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Valieva, now back in Russia, was cleared to compete in the women's single event by CAS, sport`s highest court, but stumbled to fourth place amid all the drama.

CAS did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The IOC said it would not comment on an ongoing procedure.

Lawyers for the United States figure skating athletes have asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to rule that the skaters can receive their team silver medals before the end of the Beijing Olympics, a U.

Lawyers for the United States figure skating athletes have asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to rule that the skaters can receive their team silver medals before the end of the Beijing Olympics, a U.S. Figure Skating spokesman said on Saturday. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had decided no medals for the competition -- won by the Russian Olympic Committee team -- would be presented until the doping case of Russian 15-year-old Kamila Valieva had been resolved. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Bart Swings tops mass start, brings first Belgian Winter gold in 74 years That matter could take weeks or months. Russia finished top, the U.S. second and Japan third. Canada were fourth in the event on Feb. 7. Valieva tested positive for a banned heart drug after the Russian national championships on Dec. 25 but the result was not revealed until Feb. 8, the day after she helped the ROC win the team competition. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Strong winds postpone Alpine mixed team parallel race on final day Valieva, now back in Russia, was cleared to compete in the women's single event by CAS, sport`s highest court, but stumbled to fourth place amid all the drama. CAS did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The IOC said it would not comment on an ongoing procedure.

Beijing Winter Olympics: United Stated appeal to CAS to award team medals

India on Saturday won the right to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) session in Mumbai in an unopposed race, during the 139th IOC Session in Beijing, China.

The Indian delegation comprising the country's first individual Olympic gold medallist (Beijing 2008, shooting) Abhinav Bindra, IOC Member Nita Ambani, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra, and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur made the presentation to IOC members during the 139th IOC Session, being held alongside the ongoing Winter Olympics in Beijing.

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This will be the second IOC session in India.

The country last hosted an IOC session in 1983 in New Delhi.

The IOC session is the general meeting of the Members of the IOC. It is the IOC's supreme organ, and its decisions are final.

An ordinary Session is held once a year, while Extraordinary Sessions may be convened by the President or upon the written request of at least one-third of the Members.

The IOC has a total of 101 members with voting rights.

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Additionally, there are 45 honorary members and one honour member who do not have the right to vote.

In addition to the members, senior Representatives (President &amp; Secretary-General) from more than 50 International Sports Federations, (summer and winter sporting disciplines), also attend the IOC session.

India on Saturday won the right to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) session in Mumbai in an unopposed race, during the 139th IOC Session in Beijing, China.

India on Saturday won the right to host the 2023 International Olympic Committee's (IOC) session in Mumbai in an unopposed race, during the 139th IOC Session in Beijing, China. The Indian delegation comprising the country's first individual Olympic gold medallist (Beijing 2008, shooting) Abhinav Bindra, IOC Member Nita Ambani, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra, and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur made the presentation to IOC members during the 139th IOC Session, being held alongside the ongoing Winter Olympics in Beijing. ALSO READ: Britain lose 4x100m relay olympic silver medal as CAS upholds Chijindu Ujah's doping violation This will be the second IOC session in India. The country last hosted an IOC session in 1983 in New Delhi. The IOC session is the general meeting of the Members of the IOC. It is the IOC's supreme organ, and its decisions are final. An ordinary Session is held once a year, while Extraordinary Sessions may be convened by the President or upon the written request of at least one-third of the Members. The IOC has a total of 101 members with voting rights. ALSO READ: Athletics Integrity Unit bans Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare for 10 years under doping charges Additionally, there are 45 honorary members and one honour member who do not have the right to vote. In addition to the members, senior Representatives (President & Secretary-General) from more than 50 International Sports Federations, (summer and winter sporting disciplines), also attend the IOC session.

India wins bid to host 2023 International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai after four decades

Britain has been stripped of its Olympic silver medal in the men's 4x100m relay in Tokyo last August after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld Chijindu Ujah's anti-doping violation on Friday.

Ujah has been provisionally suspended since Ostarine and S-23 -- both substances prohibited by world anti-doping organisation WADA -- were detected in his A and B samples following the final.

In a statement on Friday, CAS said its Anti-Doping Division had found that Ujah had committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation and that his team`s result from the 4x100m relay on Aug. 6 had been disqualified.

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Ujah and his relay teammates Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake finished narrowly second behind Italy. Canada will now be upgraded to silver with China moving into the bronze medal position.

In a statement CAS acknowledged that Ujah had not challenged the decision in his written submissions to the hearing and that he claimed he had "not knowingly or intentionally doped".

The 27-year-old said he had been left "devastated" by his anti-doping violation.

"I accept the decision issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport today with sadness," Ujah said in a statement issued by UK Athletics on Friday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-braisaz-bouchet-overcomes-rough-shooting-conditions-wins-gold-in-125-km-mass-start-454361">Beijing Olympics: Braisaz-Bouchet overcomes rough shooting conditions, wins gold in 12.5 km mass start</a>

"I would like to make it clear that I unknowingly consumed a contaminated supplement and this was the reason why an anti-doping rule violation occurred at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

"I would like to apologise to my teammates, their families and support teams for the impact which this has had on them. I'm sorry that this situation has cost my teammates the medals they worked so hard and so long for, and which they richly deserved. That is something I will regret for the rest of my life."

A UKA spokesperson added: "UKA continue to be in regular communication with the athletes concerned but will not be making public comment on the case until after the World Athletics/AIU process which will follow on from this CAS outcome."

Britain suffered a disappointing performance in track and field in Tokyo, failing to win a gold medal for the first time since the Atlanta Games in 1996.

Ujah was eliminated in the semi-finals of the individual 100m.

He will now have to wait for the Athletics Integrity Unit to determine the length of any ban, which could be as long as four years.

Britain has been stripped of its Olympic silver medal in the men's 4x100m relay in Tokyo last August after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld Chijindu Ujah's anti-doping violation on Friday.

Britain has been stripped of its Olympic silver medal in the men's 4x100m relay in Tokyo last August after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld Chijindu Ujah's anti-doping violation on Friday. Ujah has been provisionally suspended since Ostarine and S-23 -- both substances prohibited by world anti-doping organisation WADA -- were detected in his A and B samples following the final. In a statement on Friday, CAS said its Anti-Doping Division had found that Ujah had committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation and that his team`s result from the 4x100m relay on Aug. 6 had been disqualified. ALSO READ: Athletics Integrity Unit bans Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare for 10 years under doping charges Ujah and his relay teammates Zharnel Hughes, Richard Kilty and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake finished narrowly second behind Italy. Canada will now be upgraded to silver with China moving into the bronze medal position. In a statement CAS acknowledged that Ujah had not challenged the decision in his written submissions to the hearing and that he claimed he had "not knowingly or intentionally doped". The 27-year-old said he had been left "devastated" by his anti-doping violation. "I accept the decision issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport today with sadness," Ujah said in a statement issued by UK Athletics on Friday. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Braisaz-Bouchet overcomes rough shooting conditions, wins gold in 12.5 km mass start "I would like to make it clear that I unknowingly consumed a contaminated supplement and this was the reason why an anti-doping rule violation occurred at the Tokyo Olympic Games. "I would like to apologise to my teammates, their families and support teams for the impact which this has had on them. I'm sorry that this situation has cost my teammates the medals they worked so hard and so long for, and which they richly deserved. That is something I will regret for the rest of my life." A UKA spokesperson added: "UKA continue to be in regular communication with the athletes concerned but will not be making public comment on the case until after the World Athletics/AIU process which will follow on from this CAS outcome." Britain suffered a disappointing performance in track and field in Tokyo, failing to win a gold medal for the first time since the Atlanta Games in 1996. Ujah was eliminated in the semi-finals of the individual 100m. He will now have to wait for the Athletics Integrity Unit to determine the length of any ban, which could be as long as four years.

Britain lose 4x100m relay olympic silver medal as CAS upholds Chijindu Ujah's doping violation

Justine Braisaz-Bouchet of France managed the rough shooting conditions brilliantly to hold off a twin Norwegian challenge and blaze to victory in the women's Olympic 12.5 km mass start on Friday, the final women's biathlon race of the Games.

Tiril Eckhoff, bronze medallist in the last two Olympics, took silver and Norwegian compatriot Marte Olsbu Roeiseland the bronze to add to three golds and a bronze already collected in Beijing.

The race was brought forward from Saturday because of the weather but the wind played a decisive role in the destination of the medals.

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The Norwegian pair set the pace with Roieseland and Eckhoff both shooting clean on their first two prone visits, despite the bitterly cold wind whistling across the range and rattling the red guide flags.

The pair opened up a lead of 33 seconds but that vanished at the first standing shoot as the wind suddenly picked up and caused chaos on the leaderboard.

The Norwegians racked up costly misses, and took a long time about it, and had to embark on mentally and physically demanding 150m penalty laps.

Braisaz-Bouchet made the most of the window of opportunity at the third shoot to take the lead, quickly increasing it to 15.5 seconds over Roieseland by 8.4 km.

By the time the leading group made it to the range for the final time the wind was even more treacherous, and though Braisaz-Bouchet missed her first shot, she hit her next four and in quick time, to emerge with her lead increased to 48.5 seconds as all her rivals struggled to find the target.

The world number seven was able to ease home 15.3 seconds ahead of silver medallist Eckhoff and 34.9 ahead of Roieseland. and claim France's first medal in the mass start, which has now been won by five nations in its five appearances at the Olympics.

"I can't realise what happened," Braisaz-Bouchet said. "In the first weeks of the Olympics I did not have the equipment or the shape, I don't know what happened, why I was so slow on the track, but I dealt with it.

"Today I was very serene and calm. During the first standing shoot, I said to myself: 'OK, I have good skis, I am in good shape, whatever happens, happens'&nbsp;and in the last shooting round, I was very calm.”

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Eckhoff said: "The standing shooting conditions were very tough, it was very challenging so it is great fun to come in in second place - a personal best for me."

Roeiseland already had three golds and a bronze in her suitcase and had no complaints about collecting another "lesser medal".

"It could not have gone better for me today," she said. "I felt tired so to make it to the podium at all is great. Today bronze tastes like gold.

"The standing shooting was very challenging, a lot of movements. I tried the best I could so I was satisfied with the result given the circumstances and it's great to be sharing the podium with Tiril."

Having come away from Pyeongchang with two silver medals, Roeiseland, a multi-world champion, said Beijing had exceeded her expectations.

"I dreamt of Olympic gold and it has been more than I thought possible," she said.

"I will remember it for the rest of my life - these have been fantastic Olympic Games."

Justine Braisaz-Bouchet of France managed the rough shooting conditions brilliantly to hold off a twin Norwegian challenge and blaze to victory in the women's Olympic 12.

Justine Braisaz-Bouchet of France managed the rough shooting conditions brilliantly to hold off a twin Norwegian challenge and blaze to victory in the women's Olympic 12.5 km mass start on Friday, the final women's biathlon race of the Games. Tiril Eckhoff, bronze medallist in the last two Olympics, took silver and Norwegian compatriot Marte Olsbu Roeiseland the bronze to add to three golds and a bronze already collected in Beijing. The race was brought forward from Saturday because of the weather but the wind played a decisive role in the destination of the medals. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva slips to fourth place in figure skating, medal ceremony to go ahead The Norwegian pair set the pace with Roieseland and Eckhoff both shooting clean on their first two prone visits, despite the bitterly cold wind whistling across the range and rattling the red guide flags. The pair opened up a lead of 33 seconds but that vanished at the first standing shoot as the wind suddenly picked up and caused chaos on the leaderboard. The Norwegians racked up costly misses, and took a long time about it, and had to embark on mentally and physically demanding 150m penalty laps. Braisaz-Bouchet made the most of the window of opportunity at the third shoot to take the lead, quickly increasing it to 15.5 seconds over Roieseland by 8.4 km. By the time the leading group made it to the range for the final time the wind was even more treacherous, and though Braisaz-Bouchet missed her first shot, she hit her next four and in quick time, to emerge with her lead increased to 48.5 seconds as all her rivals struggled to find the target. The world number seven was able to ease home 15.3 seconds ahead of silver medallist Eckhoff and 34.9 ahead of Roieseland. and claim France's first medal in the mass start, which has now been won by five nations in its five appearances at the Olympics. "I can't realise what happened," Braisaz-Bouchet said. "In the first weeks of the Olympics I did not have the equipment or the shape, I don't know what happened, why I was so slow on the track, but I dealt with it. "Today I was very serene and calm. During the first standing shoot, I said to myself: 'OK, I have good skis, I am in good shape, whatever happens, happens' and in the last shooting round, I was very calm.” ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Joergen Graabak anchors Norway to gold in Nordic combined relay Eckhoff said: "The standing shooting conditions were very tough, it was very challenging so it is great fun to come in in second place - a personal best for me." Roeiseland already had three golds and a bronze in her suitcase and had no complaints about collecting another "lesser medal". "It could not have gone better for me today," she said. "I felt tired so to make it to the podium at all is great. Today bronze tastes like gold. "The standing shooting was very challenging, a lot of movements. I tried the best I could so I was satisfied with the result given the circumstances and it's great to be sharing the podium with Tiril." Having come away from Pyeongchang with two silver medals, Roeiseland, a multi-world champion, said Beijing had exceeded her expectations. "I dreamt of Olympic gold and it has been more than I thought possible," she said. "I will remember it for the rest of my life - these have been fantastic Olympic Games."

Beijing Olympics: Braisaz-Bouchet overcomes rough shooting conditions, wins gold in 12.5 km mass start

Olympic chief Thomas Bach said on Friday it had been "chilling" to witness Russian teenage skater Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure at the Beijing Olympics as a doping scandal continued to swirl, hitting out at the 15-year-old's entourage.

The saga has opened a debate on the suitability of the Olympic environment for minors, but International Olympic Committee president Bach said the IOC had limited means of action.

Valieva, who had been leading the women's figure skating event after the short programme, cracked in her free skate on Thursday night, and stumbled down to fourth place as compatriot Anna Shcherbakova skated to gold.

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"I must say I was very, very disturbed yesterday when I watched the competition on TV," Bach told a news conference.

"How high the pressure on her must have been."

Valieva failed a doping test at her national championships last December but the result was only revealed on Feb. 8, a day after Valieva had already helped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) win the team event.

The Russian Anti-Doping Agency lifted a provisional ban on her and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday rejected an appeal by the IOC, the International Skating Union (ISU) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to re-instate the suspension - therefore allowing her to compete in the single event on Tuesday and Thursday.

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CHILLING TO SEE

"To see her struggling on the ice, to see her, how she tries to compose herself again, how then she tries to finish her programme and you could see in every movement, in the body language, you could feel that this is immense, immense mental stress and maybe she would have preferred to just leave the ice and try to leave this story behind her," said Bach.

Valieva left the ice hiding tears behind her hands and sobbed in the 'kiss and cry'&nbsp;area as her coach, Eteri Tutberidze, confronted her.

"Why did you let it go? Explain it to me, why? Why did you stop fighting completely? Somewhere after the axel you let it go," Tutberidze said.

That reaction confounded Bach, who said, it was "extremely important" to look into Valieva's entourage.

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"When I afterwards saw how she was received by her close entourage ... it was chilling to see this," said Bach.

"Rather than giving her comfort, rather than to try to help her you could feel this chilling atmosphere, this distance and if you were interpreting the body language of them, it got even worse because this was even some kind of dismissive gestures.

"All of this does not give me much confidence in Kamila's closest entourage." 
Bach admitted that the IOC, while it was addressing the matter, could not do much to control the group of people around any athlete.

"We see we have extremely limited means to address it," he said. "We are not the police, we cannot interrogate and have a formal prosecution procedure; and our sanctions are extremely limited.

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"In the end, it's a question where we need the support of governments." 
WADA has said it was launching an investigation into Valieva's entourage, which also includes, among others, figure skating team doctor Filipp Shvetsky, who in the past had been suspended for doping athletes.

Bach also said the IOC would also look into the rules applying to minors at competitions as Valieva was cleared to compete also due to the mitigating factor that she was 15.

"In a fair competition the same rules have to apply to everybody," Bach said.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach said on Friday it had been "chilling" to witness Russian teenage skater Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure at the Beijing Olympics as a doping scandal continued to swirl, hitting out at the 15-year-old's entourage.

Olympic chief Thomas Bach said on Friday it had been "chilling" to witness Russian teenage skater Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure at the Beijing Olympics as a doping scandal continued to swirl, hitting out at the 15-year-old's entourage. The saga has opened a debate on the suitability of the Olympic environment for minors, but International Olympic Committee president Bach said the IOC had limited means of action. Valieva, who had been leading the women's figure skating event after the short programme, cracked in her free skate on Thursday night, and stumbled down to fourth place as compatriot Anna Shcherbakova skated to gold. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva slips to fourth place in figure skating, medal ceremony to go ahead "I must say I was very, very disturbed yesterday when I watched the competition on TV," Bach told a news conference. "How high the pressure on her must have been." Valieva failed a doping test at her national championships last December but the result was only revealed on Feb. 8, a day after Valieva had already helped the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) win the team event. The Russian Anti-Doping Agency lifted a provisional ban on her and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday rejected an appeal by the IOC, the International Skating Union (ISU) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to re-instate the suspension - therefore allowing her to compete in the single event on Tuesday and Thursday. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Joergen Graabak anchors Norway to gold in Nordic combined relay CHILLING TO SEE "To see her struggling on the ice, to see her, how she tries to compose herself again, how then she tries to finish her programme and you could see in every movement, in the body language, you could feel that this is immense, immense mental stress and maybe she would have preferred to just leave the ice and try to leave this story behind her," said Bach. Valieva left the ice hiding tears behind her hands and sobbed in the 'kiss and cry' area as her coach, Eteri Tutberidze, confronted her. "Why did you let it go? Explain it to me, why? Why did you stop fighting completely? Somewhere after the axel you let it go," Tutberidze said. That reaction confounded Bach, who said, it was "extremely important" to look into Valieva's entourage. ALSO READ: Kamila Valieva receives loud cheers, breaks down after returning to action for 1st time since doping scandal "When I afterwards saw how she was received by her close entourage ... it was chilling to see this," said Bach. "Rather than giving her comfort, rather than to try to help her you could feel this chilling atmosphere, this distance and if you were interpreting the body language of them, it got even worse because this was even some kind of dismissive gestures. "All of this does not give me much confidence in Kamila's closest entourage." Bach admitted that the IOC, while it was addressing the matter, could not do much to control the group of people around any athlete. "We see we have extremely limited means to address it," he said. "We are not the police, we cannot interrogate and have a formal prosecution procedure; and our sanctions are extremely limited. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report "In the end, it's a question where we need the support of governments." WADA has said it was launching an investigation into Valieva's entourage, which also includes, among others, figure skating team doctor Filipp Shvetsky, who in the past had been suspended for doping athletes. Bach also said the IOC would also look into the rules applying to minors at competitions as Valieva was cleared to compete also due to the mitigating factor that she was 15. "In a fair competition the same rules have to apply to everybody," Bach said.

Beijing Olympics: Was 'chilling' to witness Kamila Valieva crumble under pressure, says IOC chief Thomas Bach

China 'snow princess'&nbsp;Eileen Gu's dominant win in the halfpipe at the Beijing Olympics on Friday added to the country's best ever gold medal tally at a Winter Games, with freestyle skiing accounting for half of the hosts'&nbsp;podium-topping finishes.

With eight golds and 14 medals in all, China showed a huge improvement from four years ago in Pyeongchang, where they only took home one gold.

Aided by Gu’s two wins, in Big Air and halfpipe, the country are level with the United States in third place for gold medals, with just days left in the Games.

"Seeing China's winter sports team break its record with so many medals and good performances, I feel very proud," Gu said after her halfpipe victory.

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"The most important thing is China has made so much progress in freestyle, and grown so much love for the sport, which is beautiful."

In addition to freestyle skiing and snowboarding, China won golds in speed skating, two short-track and one long-track.

It is not unusual for a host nation to do well at a Games but China are exceeding predictions.

Nielsen Gracenote forecast that they would win 13 medals, including six golds. China's previous best Winter Games was in 2010, when they won five golds and 11 medals in total.

In short-track, a sport that has been the major source of China's Olympics glory since skater Yang Yang won their first Winter gold 20 years ago, China topped the podiums in the mixed relay and men’s 1000 metres.

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The country made further progress in freestyle skiing, cementing their powerhouse status with golds in Big Air and men's and women's aerials singles, in addition to Friday's halfpipe win for Gu. Su Yiming made history with China’s first gold in any snowboarding event, winning in Big Air.

With two more days of competition left, China's best hope of adding to the medal tally are in men's speed skating and pairs figure skating.

China sent 176 athletes, their largest ever Winter Games contingent, to compete at the Beijing Olympics and will have taken part in 104 of 109 events, including 35 for the first time - such as in men’s ice hockey.

China 'snow princess' Eileen Gu's dominant win in the halfpipe at the Beijing Olympics on Friday added to the country's best ever gold medal tally at a Winter Games, with freestyle skiing accounting for half of the hosts' podium-topping finishes.

China 'snow princess' Eileen Gu's dominant win in the halfpipe at the Beijing Olympics on Friday added to the country's best ever gold medal tally at a Winter Games, with freestyle skiing accounting for half of the hosts' podium-topping finishes. With eight golds and 14 medals in all, China showed a huge improvement from four years ago in Pyeongchang, where they only took home one gold. Aided by Gu’s two wins, in Big Air and halfpipe, the country are level with the United States in third place for gold medals, with just days left in the Games. "Seeing China's winter sports team break its record with so many medals and good performances, I feel very proud," Gu said after her halfpipe victory. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Kamila Valieva slips to fourth place in figure skating, medal ceremony to go ahead "The most important thing is China has made so much progress in freestyle, and grown so much love for the sport, which is beautiful." In addition to freestyle skiing and snowboarding, China won golds in speed skating, two short-track and one long-track. It is not unusual for a host nation to do well at a Games but China are exceeding predictions. Nielsen Gracenote forecast that they would win 13 medals, including six golds. China's previous best Winter Games was in 2010, when they won five golds and 11 medals in total. In short-track, a sport that has been the major source of China's Olympics glory since skater Yang Yang won their first Winter gold 20 years ago, China topped the podiums in the mixed relay and men’s 1000 metres. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Joergen Graabak anchors Norway to gold in Nordic combined relay The country made further progress in freestyle skiing, cementing their powerhouse status with golds in Big Air and men's and women's aerials singles, in addition to Friday's halfpipe win for Gu. Su Yiming made history with China’s first gold in any snowboarding event, winning in Big Air. With two more days of competition left, China's best hope of adding to the medal tally are in men's speed skating and pairs figure skating. China sent 176 athletes, their largest ever Winter Games contingent, to compete at the Beijing Olympics and will have taken part in 104 of 109 events, including 35 for the first time - such as in men’s ice hockey.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Eileen Gu's dominant win helps her take home gold in freestyle skiing

Switzerland's Michelle Gisin retained her Olympic title in the women's combined on Thursday as American Mikaela Shiffrin yet again failed to finish.

Gisin won gold with a total time of 2:25.67, a comfortable 1.05 ahead of compatriot Wendy Holdener. Italy's Federica Brignone finished in the bronze medal position.

Shiffrin was a strong favourite, even after her ill-fated performances at these Games, but for the third time here had the letters DNF - Did Not Finish -- next to her name.

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She was well placed as fifth fastest after the morning's downhill leg but, returning to the Ice River course where she had skied out in both the giant slalom and slalom, Shiffrin missed a gate and incredibly skied off the course yet again.

"I didn’t make it to the finish again, and like 60 percent of my DNF rate has happened at this Olympic Games," said the American who came into the Games as the star of the sport and the great American medal hope.

"I didn’t feel pressure there. I mean there is always pressure but I just felt loose and relaxed and like I knew my plan, focused and good skiing - I was doing it and it still didn’t work. That is what it is," she said.

The six-times world champion has had 47 World Cup victories in slalom but that experience has counted for precious little in Beijing.

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"47 different times I had this feeling - the right balance of intensity, focus, the feeling I had on my skis - it always worked.

"It was always good, fast skiing but I never had an issue not finishing and especially not that early. So it is just a little bit of a mind-boggling event I guess".

Shiffrin won gold in giant slalom at Pyeongchang 2018 after winning the slalom title at Sochi 2014. She also claimed the silver medal in the combined four years ago.

BELOW EXPECTATIONS

The 26-year-old has competed in every individual event in Beijing but her results have been way below all expectations. She was only able to complete the speed events, finishing ninth in the super-G and 18th in the downhill.

But while Americans scratch their heads over Shiffrin's sudden loss of form, the Swiss are basking in their domination of the sport.

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Gisin's victory produced the fifth gold for the Swiss team at these Games and the second medal for both Gisin and Holdener.

"Four years ago I did it with my downhill and this time I did it with my slalom. It's a pity that Mikaela did not finish, I would love to have battled for gold with her," said Gisin

"I didn't think I could put a slalom run together like this after these three weeks, it was so intense."

Three of the Swiss Alpine team's golds have been for women and the country's Alpine medal tally in Beijing stands at nine in total, including a bronze in super-G for Gisin while Holdener finished third in slalom.

The pair had both medalled in the combined in Pyeongchang with Holdener taking bronze as Gisin triumphed.

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Czech Ester Ledecka finished fourth, narrowly missing out on an Alpine medal to go with her snowboard gold in the parallel giant slalom.

Four years ago, Ledecka made history when she became the first athlete to win gold in both her snowboard event and Alpine, where she won in super-G.

Switzerland's Michelle Gisin retained her Olympic title in the women's combined on Thursday as American Mikaela Shiffrin yet again failed to finish. Gisin won gold with a total time of 2:25.

Switzerland's Michelle Gisin retained her Olympic title in the women's combined on Thursday as American Mikaela Shiffrin yet again failed to finish. Gisin won gold with a total time of 2:25.67, a comfortable 1.05 ahead of compatriot Wendy Holdener. Italy's Federica Brignone finished in the bronze medal position. Shiffrin was a strong favourite, even after her ill-fated performances at these Games, but for the third time here had the letters DNF - Did Not Finish -- next to her name. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Sweden's Sandra Naeslund wins women's ski cross final, takes home gold She was well placed as fifth fastest after the morning's downhill leg but, returning to the Ice River course where she had skied out in both the giant slalom and slalom, Shiffrin missed a gate and incredibly skied off the course yet again. "I didn’t make it to the finish again, and like 60 percent of my DNF rate has happened at this Olympic Games," said the American who came into the Games as the star of the sport and the great American medal hope. "I didn’t feel pressure there. I mean there is always pressure but I just felt loose and relaxed and like I knew my plan, focused and good skiing - I was doing it and it still didn’t work. That is what it is," she said. The six-times world champion has had 47 World Cup victories in slalom but that experience has counted for precious little in Beijing. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: Canada reclaims gold medal, U.S. settles for silver in ice hockey "47 different times I had this feeling - the right balance of intensity, focus, the feeling I had on my skis - it always worked. "It was always good, fast skiing but I never had an issue not finishing and especially not that early. So it is just a little bit of a mind-boggling event I guess". Shiffrin won gold in giant slalom at Pyeongchang 2018 after winning the slalom title at Sochi 2014. She also claimed the silver medal in the combined four years ago. BELOW EXPECTATIONS The 26-year-old has competed in every individual event in Beijing but her results have been way below all expectations. She was only able to complete the speed events, finishing ninth in the super-G and 18th in the downhill. But while Americans scratch their heads over Shiffrin's sudden loss of form, the Swiss are basking in their domination of the sport. ALSO READ: Kamila Valieva receives loud cheers, breaks down after returning to action for 1st time since doping scandal Gisin's victory produced the fifth gold for the Swiss team at these Games and the second medal for both Gisin and Holdener. "Four years ago I did it with my downhill and this time I did it with my slalom. It's a pity that Mikaela did not finish, I would love to have battled for gold with her," said Gisin "I didn't think I could put a slalom run together like this after these three weeks, it was so intense." Three of the Swiss Alpine team's golds have been for women and the country's Alpine medal tally in Beijing stands at nine in total, including a bronze in super-G for Gisin while Holdener finished third in slalom. The pair had both medalled in the combined in Pyeongchang with Holdener taking bronze as Gisin triumphed. ALSO READ: American sprinter Richardson's case 'different' from Kamila Valieva's: International Olympic Committee Czech Ester Ledecka finished fourth, narrowly missing out on an Alpine medal to go with her snowboard gold in the parallel giant slalom. Four years ago, Ledecka made history when she became the first athlete to win gold in both her snowboard event and Alpine, where she won in super-G.

Beijing Olympics: Swiss skier Michelle Gisin retains gold as Mikaela Shiffrin fails again in Alpine skiing

Sweden's Sandra Naeslund won the women's ski cross final at the Beijing Games, taking home the gold after dominating from the start of Thursday's races, while Canada's Marielle Thompson claimed the silver after a nail-biting final race.

The 25-year old Swede exploded out of the gate in the final, bolting over the technical opening section of the race and opening a big lead ahead of the pack.

Naeslund, who came fourth in Pyeongchang four years ago, had started the day strongly, running her seeding round of the competition nearly two seconds ahead of the next fastest skier.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-indias-campaign-ends-as-sole-representative-mohammad-arif-khan-records-dnf-in-slalom-453679">Beijing Winter Olympics: India's campaign ends as Mohammad Arif Khan records DNF in slalom</a>

Thompson had to settle for the silver, while Daniela Maier of Germany won the bronze medal.

Switzerland's Fanny Smith, who claimed bronze at Pyeongchang 2018, crossed the line third in the final but was relegated to fourth for an infringement after a prolonged review of the race.

Workers used shovels to clear the course of fresh snow and flatten sections of it before redrawing the lines ahead of Thursday`s final races after heavy snow fell earlier in the day.

Sweden's Sandra Naeslund won the women's ski cross final at the Beijing Games, taking home the gold after dominating from the start of Thursday's races, while Canada's Marielle Thompson claimed the silver after a nail-biting final race.

Sweden's Sandra Naeslund won the women's ski cross final at the Beijing Games, taking home the gold after dominating from the start of Thursday's races, while Canada's Marielle Thompson claimed the silver after a nail-biting final race. The 25-year old Swede exploded out of the gate in the final, bolting over the technical opening section of the race and opening a big lead ahead of the pack. Naeslund, who came fourth in Pyeongchang four years ago, had started the day strongly, running her seeding round of the competition nearly two seconds ahead of the next fastest skier. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Olympics: India's campaign ends as Mohammad Arif Khan records DNF in slalom Thompson had to settle for the silver, while Daniela Maier of Germany won the bronze medal. Switzerland's Fanny Smith, who claimed bronze at Pyeongchang 2018, crossed the line third in the final but was relegated to fourth for an infringement after a prolonged review of the race. Workers used shovels to clear the course of fresh snow and flatten sections of it before redrawing the lines ahead of Thursday`s final races after heavy snow fell earlier in the day.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Sweden's Sandra Naeslund wins women's ski cross final, takes home gold

The doping case of American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a one-month ban, is different from that of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva at the Beijing Games, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

The IOC's comments come after Richardson, banned last year for a month for testing positive for cannabis, questioned a decision to allow Valieva to continue competing at the Winter Olympics amid an ongoing doping case.

"Every single case is very different. She (Richardson) tested positive on June 19 (2021), quite a way ahead of the Tokyo Games," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. The Tokyo Olympics, delayed by a year due to the pandemic, started on July 23.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-russian-kamila-valieva-had-3-drugs-used-to-treat-heart-conditions-in-sample-report-453687">Beijing Olympics: Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report</a>

"Her results came in early order for USADA (U.S. Anti-Doping Agency) to deal with the case on time, before the Games. Ms Richardson accepted a one month period of ineligibility which began on June 28."

"I would suggest that there isn't a great deal of similarity between the two cases," he said.

Richardson was expected to be one of the biggest draws in Tokyo after winning the 100 metres at the U.S. trials. She later said her action to consume cannabis was the result of mourning the death of her mother.

On Monday, however, she demanded an answer from the IOC over Valieva's continued participation at the Games.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stellar-job-us-skier-alleges-his-twitter-account-suspended-after-praising-covid-rules-at-winter-olympics-453635">'Stellar job': US skier alleges his Twitter account suspended after praising Covid rules at Winter Olympics</a>

The 15-year-old Russian was tested on Dec. 25, 2021, but her results were reported only on Feb. 8, a day after she had won team gold in figure skating for the Russian Olympic Committee.

No Olympic medals will be awarded at the women's team event or in the single event if she finishes in the top three of that competition, pending the resolution of her ongoing doping case.

Valieva's automatic provisional suspension on Feb. 8 was lifted by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency on Feb. 9 and an appeal by the IOC, the International Skating Union and the World Anti-Doping Agency to have it reinstated was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-skater-kamila-valieva-tops-short-programme-standings-in-figure-skating-despite-doping-scandal-453550">Russian Skater Kamila Valieva tops short programme standings in figure skating despite doping scandal</a>

"Can we get a solid answer on the difference of (Valieva's) situation and mines?" Richardson wrote on Twitter on Monday. "My mother died and I can't run and was also favoured to place top 3. The only difference I see is I'm a black young lady."

"Failed in December and the world just now know however my result was posted within a week and my name &amp; talent was slaughtered to the people," Richardson said in another tweet.

The doping case of American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a one-month ban, is different from that of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva at the Beijing Games, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday.

The doping case of American sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to a one-month ban, is different from that of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva at the Beijing Games, the International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday. The IOC's comments come after Richardson, banned last year for a month for testing positive for cannabis, questioned a decision to allow Valieva to continue competing at the Winter Olympics amid an ongoing doping case. "Every single case is very different. She (Richardson) tested positive on June 19 (2021), quite a way ahead of the Tokyo Games," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said. The Tokyo Olympics, delayed by a year due to the pandemic, started on July 23. ALSO READ: Beijing Olympics: Russian Kamila Valieva had 3 drugs used to treat heart conditions in sample - Report "Her results came in early order for USADA (U.S. Anti-Doping Agency) to deal with the case on time, before the Games. Ms Richardson accepted a one month period of ineligibility which began on June 28." "I would suggest that there isn't a great deal of similarity between the two cases," he said. Richardson was expected to be one of the biggest draws in Tokyo after winning the 100 metres at the U.S. trials. She later said her action to consume cannabis was the result of mourning the death of her mother. On Monday, however, she demanded an answer from the IOC over Valieva's continued participation at the Games. ALSO READ: 'Stellar job': US skier alleges his Twitter account suspended after praising Covid rules at Winter Olympics The 15-year-old Russian was tested on Dec. 25, 2021, but her results were reported only on Feb. 8, a day after she had won team gold in figure skating for the Russian Olympic Committee. No Olympic medals will be awarded at the women's team event or in the single event if she finishes in the top three of that competition, pending the resolution of her ongoing doping case. Valieva's automatic provisional suspension on Feb. 8 was lifted by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency on Feb. 9 and an appeal by the IOC, the International Skating Union and the World Anti-Doping Agency to have it reinstated was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. ALSO READ: Russian Skater Kamila Valieva tops short programme standings in figure skating despite doping scandal "Can we get a solid answer on the difference of (Valieva's) situation and mines?" Richardson wrote on Twitter on Monday. "My mother died and I can't run and was also favoured to place top 3. The only difference I see is I'm a black young lady." "Failed in December and the world just now know however my result was posted within a week and my name & talent was slaughtered to the people," Richardson said in another tweet.

American sprinter Richardson's case 'different' from Kamila Valieva's: International Olympic Committee

15-year-old Russian skater Kamila Valieva is now allowed to compete in Beijing Winter Olympics. The CAS has rejected the IOC appeal.

CAS rejects IOC appeal: 15-year-old Russian skater can compete in Beijing Winter Olympics

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai met International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach at the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympics on Saturday (February 5).&nbsp;

In the latest media interview, the tennis star also said that she never accused anyone of sexual assault.&nbsp;

The IOC President has held a face-to-face meeting with Shuai and he was joined by the former Chair of the Athletes' Commission and IOC member Kirsty Coventry.&nbsp;

As per the statement released by IOC on Monday, the meeting took place on Saturday over dinner at the Olympic Club in Beijing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-bones-are-sticking-out-i-cry-every-day-russian-athlete-claims-food-at-beijing-winter-olympics-inedible-451017">'My bones are sticking out, I cry every day': Russian athlete claims food at Beijing Winter Olympics inedible</a>

The three-time Olympian, Shuai informed the President that she would attend several events at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 over the coming days.&nbsp;

The IOC president invited her to Lausanne to visit the IOC and The Olympic Museum. Peng Shuai accepted this invitation.&nbsp;

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IOC statement on meeting with Peng Shuai<a href="https://t.co/Nc7RfNNAeS">https://t.co/Nc7RfNNAeS</a>
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Shuai denies making accusations of sexual assault

Ahead of the IOC's statement, Shuai told L'Equipe sports daily in an interview published on Monday (February 7) that she never accused anyone of sexual assault.&nbsp;

The tennis player said that she herself had deleted her social media post in November that had appeared to make such a claim, creating a global outrage over the safety of the player.&nbsp;

However, Shuai denies making any allegation. "I never said anyone had sexually assaulted me in any way," said Pend in an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe at a hotel in Beijing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-large-fluctuations-in-covid-19-cases-expected-say-beijing-winter-olympics-organisers-450939">No large fluctuations in COVID-19 cases expected, say Beijing Winter Olympics organisers</a>

The tennis player remained in the headlines globally in November when she appeared to allege on social media that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her in the past.&nbsp;

The post was deleted within minutes but screenshots of the same were circulated on China's Twitter-like social media platform, Weibo.&nbsp;

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai met International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach at the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympics on Saturday (February 5).

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai met International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach at the ongoing Beijing Winter Olympics on Saturday (February 5). In the latest media interview, the tennis star also said that she never accused anyone of sexual assault. The IOC President has held a face-to-face meeting with Shuai and he was joined by the former Chair of the Athletes' Commission and IOC member Kirsty Coventry. As per the statement released by IOC on Monday, the meeting took place on Saturday over dinner at the Olympic Club in Beijing. ALSO READ | 'My bones are sticking out, I cry every day': Russian athlete claims food at Beijing Winter Olympics inedible The three-time Olympian, Shuai informed the President that she would attend several events at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 over the coming days. The IOC president invited her to Lausanne to visit the IOC and The Olympic Museum. Peng Shuai accepted this invitation. IOC statement on meeting with Peng Shuaihttps://t.co/Nc7RfNNAeS — IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) February 7, 2022 × Shuai denies making accusations of sexual assault Ahead of the IOC's statement, Shuai told L'Equipe sports daily in an interview published on Monday (February 7) that she never accused anyone of sexual assault. The tennis player said that she herself had deleted her social media post in November that had appeared to make such a claim, creating a global outrage over the safety of the player. However, Shuai denies making any allegation. "I never said anyone had sexually assaulted me in any way," said Pend in an interview with French newspaper L'Equipe at a hotel in Beijing. ALSO READ | No large fluctuations in COVID-19 cases expected, say Beijing Winter Olympics organisers The tennis player remained in the headlines globally in November when she appeared to allege on social media that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her in the past. The post was deleted within minutes but screenshots of the same were circulated on China's Twitter-like social media platform, Weibo.

'I never said': Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai denies making sexual assault accusations

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