Russia: Sports Minister Matytsin vows support for athletes ahead of Tokyo Olympics

Subscribe to our channel! Russia will do everything possible to support its athletes taking part in the Tokyo Olympics under a neutral flag and anthem, Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin said in Vladivostok on Wednesday. Visiting athletes preparing for the Games, Matytsin said “You have already overcome a lot, have already deserved the right to perform in Tokyo. It seems that there will be no [Russian] flag and anthem, but I am absolutely sure that no one will take them away from us. Here, on the territory of Russia, we will do our utmost to support you.” The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reduced Russia’s international sporting ban imposed by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) from four to two years in December last year. Under the ruling, Russia is banned from using its name, flag, and anthem in any international sports competitions for the period. The postponed Tokyo Olympic Games will begin on July 23. SOT, Oleg Matytsin, Minister of Sports of the