IOC eases restrictions on Russian athletes for 2028 Los Angeles Games, anthem and flag ban remains
via The Namibian3 min read
The International Olympic Committee IOC has lifted some restrictions on Russian athletes, allowing them to compete in team events and qualifying competitions for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. IOC President Kirsty Coventry stated the aim is to ensure all athletes can compete without being held responsible for their government's actions. However, the ban on the Russian national anthem and flag remains in place for now. Returning Russian athletes will need to pass multiple doping tests. Individual sports federations can decide on the display of the flag and anthem at their own events or competitions in Russia. The IOC will make a decision regarding the display of the Russian flag, anthem, or colors at the Los Angeles Games at an appropriate time. Russian sports minister Mikhail Degtyarev welcomed the decision, emphasizing that the Olympic movement should be free from politics and confirming Russia's intention to participate in qualifiers. The IOC noted that Russia's return is more limited than Belarus's, which was allowed back without anthem or color restrictions. The IOC also stated that all athletes newly returning to international competition must have been tested multiple times prior to their return to address past doping scandals. The ban was initially imposed in October 2023 after the Russian Olympic Committee included sports organizations in annexed territories as members, a decision the ROC has since clarified it will not pursue. World Athletics, however, continues
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African Stars Academy recently returned from the Madrid Cup 2026, a youth tournament where they competed against mainly Spanish teams. Katjivirue, speaking to Desert FM, described the experience as a significant learning opportunity for the players, exposing them to international competition. He noted that the academy achieved its goal of introducing itself on the global stage, with their performance attracting attention from a local Madrid academy, which extended an invitation to another tournament. While unlikely to attend this year, the invitation may be considered in the future. Katjivirue also mentioned that several players garnered interest from coaches and scouts during the tournament, leading to inquiries about their potential. Comparing football standards, he observed that European academies prioritize possession-based football, tactical discipline, and structured play. He emphasized the need for Namibia to improve in these areas and to expose more young players to international competition for long-term football development. Katjivirue highlighted challenges such as limited access to quality football fields and training opportunities in Namibia compared to European nations. Moving forward, African Stars Academy plans to make international participation an annual component of its youth development program.
Norwegian Torstein Traeen claimed the yellow jersey, becoming the race leader, while Denmark's Mads Pedersen won the fourth stage of the Tour de France. Traeen, who finished eighth in the stage, took the yellow jersey from reigning champion Tadej Pogacar. Pedersen, a former world champion, secured his third Tour de France stage victory in a sprint finish, ahead of teammate Quinn Simmons and Raul Garcia. This win also earned Pedersen the green points jersey. Traeen had been part of an initial 34-man breakaway that formed early in the 182km stage from Carcassonne to Foix. The peloton finished 13 minutes behind the stage winner, allowing Traeen to gain a 28-second lead over American Sean Quinn in the overall standings. Mathias Vacek, Pedersen's teammate, is now third overall and leads the young rider's white jersey competition. Pogacar dropped to fourth place, 7 minutes and 53 seconds behind Traeen.
Must ReadArgentina secured a 3-2 victory over Egypt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals after overcoming a 2-0 deficit. Egypt took the lead with goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, with Lionel Messi missing a penalty for Argentina. Cristian Romero initiated Argentina's comeback with a header, followed by Messi scoring the equalizer, his ninth consecutive World Cup goal. Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround with a header in stoppage time. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his emotions after the win. Egypt disputed several calls, including a disallowed goal and a red card for a coaching staff member. Argentina will now face either Colombia or Switzerland in the next round. The match saw notable performances, including Mostafa Shobeir's saves for Egypt, despite Messi's eventual equalizer and Fernandez's winning goal.