World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe, commended the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Saturday for their decision to suspend Russia’s national Olympic body.
Coe stated that the IOC had made the “only decision left open to them” due to Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The IOC’s decision came during an executive board meeting in Mumbai and was a response to the Russian Olympic Committee’s recognition of regional organizations in four Ukrainian territories that were annexed following Russia’s invasion in 2022. World Athletics had taken a similar stance, excluding athletes, coaches, and officials from Russia and Belarus, a supporter of the invasion, from its events as early as March 2022.
‘I think it was the only decision,’ says Coe
Coe expressed his support for the IOC’s action, saying, “I think it was the right decision. I think it was the only decision that was left open to them (the IOC). Our position at World Athletics is clear and has been clear on a number of issues since 2015.”
Sebastian Coe, a renowned British track athlete and double Olympic 1500-meter gold medalist, is currently serving as the president of World Athletics, a position he has held since 2015. While there has been speculation about him becoming a future IOC president, Coe emphasized his dedication to representing his sport within the Olympic movement.
Praises growth of athletics in India
Coe also praised the growth of Indian athletics following a record-breaking performance at the recent Asian Games, with India securing 29 medals. Despite cricket’s dominance in India, Coe expressed his desire to see more major athletics events in the country, citing both economic and athletic reasons for such initiatives. The Athletics Federation of India is considering a bid to host the 2027 World Athletics Championships.
Regarding the possibility of India hosting the event, AFI president Adille J Sumariwalla stated, “We haven’t made a formal bid, but we are discussing that internally, and in the next couple of days, we will finalize.”
Sumariwalla is also a vice-president of World Athletics.
Sebastian Coe and Adille J Sumariwalla made these comments just before the highly anticipated Cricket World Cup match between India and Pakistan. Coe acknowledged cricket’s strong global influence and emphasized its importance, even as he maintained his support for track and field as the cornerstone of the Olympics.
Sumariwalla added a lighthearted note, saying, “See the winds of change — the cricketers are lining up to take pictures with Neeraj Chopra,” referring to India’s Olympic and world javelin champion, who has gained widespread recognition and popularity in the country.
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