Hit them in the face, Lukashenko told the athletes. At the Olympics, they have to prove that they are true Belarusians

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has told athletes from Belarus who plan to compete in this summer’s Olympics in Paris to be wild and tough. Although they will be competing under a neutral flag, according to him, they should prove to everyone that they are true Belarusians.

The International Olympic Committee has banned athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing under their flags at the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris. But they can participate with the status of neutral athletes. They will be allowed to participate in competitions under five rings as individuals if they meet the qualification criteria and other conditions.

The commission estimates that about 30 Russians and 20 Belarusians will qualify for this year’s Summer Olympics.

On Wednesday, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko commented on the participation of Belarusian athletes in the Olympics. First of all, he said that it is every athlete’s choice, Belarusian state news agency Belta reported.

He then continued, leaving it unclear whether he was speaking in a spirit of sporting competition or whether he meant his statements literally. He said anger is important in sports. “If you’ve already qualified and you’re going there in a neutral state, punch them in the face, show them you’re real Belarusians,” he told the athletes.

He added that if Belarusians win during the games, it will be a good tool for Belarusian politicians. “Then we can also slap them in the face politically,” he said.

Russian and Belarusian athletes who will participate as neutral athletes will not be able to participate in the opening ceremony of the parade of delegations. Their national anthems will not be played during the award ceremony and their national colors, flags and any other symbols are also prohibited.

Athletes who have contracts with the armies of Belarus and Russia or actively support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will not be allowed to participate in the Olympics, and representatives of the Belarusian and Russian states will not be invited or accredited to the games, which take place from July 26 to August 11.