– They point their noses at anyone who criticizes the war, concludes Berit Lindeman to news. She is secretary general of the Helsinki Committee, and she also knows the world of sport well from her role as a member of the Norwegian Football Association’s ethics committee. CRITICAL: Berit Lindeman Photo: Gorm Kallestad / NTB – The Russian sports elite express their support for the war, whether they want it or not, she continues. The Russian sports club CSKA celebrated its 100th anniversary this weekend. They did so by arranging a grand ceremony with sports leaders, ministers and military leaders, at the same time that Russian athletes are fighting to be included in the international sports heat again. – This arrangement only shows that the opponents are absolutely right. It is a nation at war which in that case will be taken back, on the terms of the nation at war, says Lindeman. Russian soldier received an award The abbreviation CSKA stands for “Central Sports Club of the Army”, and among the participants at the anniversary celebration were: Sergey Shoigu, Minister of Defense Nikolay Pankov, Deputy Minister of Defense Oleg Matytsin, Minister of Sports Stanislav Pozdnyakov, President of the Russian Olympic Committee The latter presented the honorary award to the “athlete of the century ยป. It went to Vsevolod Bobrov, a late sporting hero who represented the club in both bandy, football and ice hockey. Bobrov’s grandson Vsevolod Bobrov Jr. received the award on behalf of grandfather. He did so wearing a Russian military uniform. Bobrov Jr. has just returned home from Ukraine after fighting for Russia in the ongoing war, which was pointed out by TV star and sports commentator Dmitry Guberniev from the stage. The war information led to applause from the audience. CONGRATULATIONS: President Putin, pictured here on another occasion. Photo: Alexander Zemlianichenko / AP The country’s president Vladimir Putin also got involved in the anniversary. He offered a written congratulations to the sports club. – Today we honor the CSKA athletes from all generations. Those who have dedicated their careers and lives to the club, and have set an example of dedicated, selfless service, reads part of Putin’s message. – It is gratifying to note that CSKA representatives are among the recognized leaders of both Russian and international sport, the congratulation continues. Believes the sport is being coupd In March, the management of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes be allowed to participate in the sport again. Lindeman is clear that this weekend’s celebration shows how hair-raising the IOC’s recommendation is. – It is completely unacceptable. We have to fight that tooth and nail, she says, and continues: – The Olympics and Olympic sports are being taken over by Russia with the IOC’s blessing. The general secretary of the Helsinki Committee understands that it is difficult for Russian athletes who do not support the war, but she believes that both the formal and the symbolic connection between elite sport and the military in Russia means that they cannot participate as long as there is a war. – The fact is that sport and politics have been mixed together for a long time, not least by Russia and Russian athletes. Russia is an aggressor. There is politics on all sides. Russian athletes don’t like the IOC’s recommendation either, but for completely different reasons. Participation must take place under several conditions, including that the Russians must compete individually under a neutral flag.: – We athletes are today hostages in political games that divide the sports community. The IOC’s plan is an overreaction and discriminatory, says a statement from the Russian athletes’ committee, according to NTB.
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