Vladimir Putin congratulated Kirsty Coventry on her election as IOC president, highlighting her experience and authority in sports. He anticipates an advancement of Olympic ideals and supports Russia’s reinstatement in future Olympic competitions. Meanwhile, leaders from Belarus and Ukraine express their hopes regarding Coventry’s leadership impact on global sports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his congratulations to Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry following her election as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In a statement released on the Kremlin website, he praised her “unique experience,” asserting that it would foster the advancement of the Olympic movement. He remarked that the election outcome reflects her significant standing within the global sports community.
Putin noted, “I am certain that your unique experience and interest in the real advancement of the noble Olympic ideals will ensure your success in such a responsible position.” This follows his historical precedent as the first world leader to contact Coventry’s predecessor, Thomas Bach, upon his election in 2013.
At present, Russia is advocating for the full reinstatement of its athletes in upcoming Olympic Games after facing a ban related to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Some Russian and Belarusian athletes have been allowed to compete as neutrals in the Paris 2024 Games.
Mikhail Degtyarev, Russia’s sports minister, expressed a definitive intention for reinstatement in his comments, emphasizing the desire for a stronger and more independent Olympic movement under Coventry’s leadership. He stated, “We are waiting, in this era of a new leader, for the Olympic movement to become stronger, more independent and more prosperous and that Russia will return to the Olympic podium.”
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko conveyed hopes that Coventry’s leadership would bolster mutual understanding between nations and enhance accessibility in sports for everyone. Meanwhile, Vadym Guttsait, the chief of Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee, expressed aspirations that the IOC would persist in its mission for peace, equality, and inclusivity under Coventry’s guidance.
In conclusion, Kirsty Coventry’s election as IOC president has garnered significant international attention, particularly from leaders including Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko, who express hopes for the revival of Russian participation in the Olympic movement. Concurrently, Ukraine’s representatives advocate for continued advocacy for peace and inclusivity in sports, indicating the multifaceted implications of Coventry’s new role.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
