Deputy Minister Giedrius Grybauskas says that basketball players competing against Russians or Belarusians will not be condemned and hopes that when they meet on the court, Lithuanian athletes will be more motivated to win.
“We can only regret that our athletes (…) and athletes from all other countries supporting Ukraine have to compete with Russians and Belarusians. (…) We encourage not to boycott these events, because a boycott actually makes it easier for Russians and Belarusians to possibly advance further,” G. Grybauskas told the portal lrt.lt.
“We do not condemn those athletes. On the contrary, we say that you have to go to the court and, using additional motivation, try to win, give your all,” he added.
FIBA announced this week that it has lifted the ban on Russian and Belarusian basketball players and other basketball personnel from individually participating in international FIBA competitions.
The decision was made after the International Olympic Committee lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee in July.
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“Neither athletes nor delegates (from Russia and Belarus – BNS) are welcome and we will certainly mediate as a state,” said G. Grybauskas.
According to G. Grybauskas, there is a proposal to legally require Russian and Belarusian athletes or other sports representatives arriving in Lithuania to sign a neutrality declaration, and they would be prohibited from participating in competitions if they wear distinguishing marks.
FIBA will decide in December whether to allow Russian and Belarusian clubs and national teams to participate in its tournaments.
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