The 1998 Olympic ice hockey champion of the Czech Republic, Dominik Hasek, suggests allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Olympic Games in Paris only if they clearly and directly declare that they condemn Russia for the war in Ukraine, AP writes.

Dominik Hasek: “How to supply tanks, planes and ammunition to Russia”

Hasek, who won gold at the Nagano Winter Olympics, said he was sure their presence at the Paris Games would otherwise amount to “a huge advertisement for the Russian war”.

The former NHL great was an active critic of the International Olympic Committee’s recommendation that Russians and Belarusians participate in international competitions as neutral athletes.

“Everyone knows where those athletes are from. They would represent an aggressive, imperialist war and the crimes associated with it” – Dominic Hasek.

According to him, it is the same as supplying Russia with tanks, planes and ammunition.

The IOC and president Thomas Bach outlined the definition of neutrality — a public refusal to support the war, no contract with the military from the start of the invasion in February 2022, competition without a national flag, anthem or colors — for the sport’s governing bodies to decide. how and whether to apply it.

“I am convinced that all of us, the entire democratic world, should do everything possible so that Russian and Belarusian athletes do not participate in the current conditions” – Dominic Hasek.

IOC officials said the Olympic body could make its own decision on the issue of the Russian athletes “at the right time,” but they also said excluding them based solely on their passports was discriminatory, News.ro reported.

The 2024 Olympics will begin next year on July 26.

Dominik Hasek says Russians must condemn war to compete in 2024 Olympics

Public and repeated condemnation of the war would be a necessary condition for athletes to participate in the Olympic Games, Hasek said. Simply signing a declaration of the same content will not be enough.

In return, democratic countries must be prepared to offer them and their families refuge and safety. Hasek also floated the idea of ​​fielding a team of refugees – a common practice at recent Olympics – because accepting them on Russia’s terms would be tantamount to endorsing the invasion.

“This is incredible Russian war propaganda, and it costs many lives. We have to stop this” – Dominic Hasek.

Hasek has been invited to visit the European Parliament next month to present his views.

“I can’t predict what impact it might have, but I want to do everything I can to convince them, and then they can convince others” – Dominic Hasek.

Hasek has proposed excluding athletes from the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, and has specifically asked the NHL and two tennis circuits in an open letter to get involved. This did not happen.

He was especially disappointed by the reaction of the NHL and its manager Gary Bettman.

“Of course, I’m very sad because the NHL is still in my heart,” said Hasek, who was known as the Dominator during his NHL career.

Hasek won six Vezina Trophies as the league’s top goaltender and two Hart Trophys as the NHL’s Most Valuable Player – the only goaltender to win the award twice – during his nine years with the Buffalo Sabres.

He later helped the Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup in 2002 and 2008 and led the Czech Republic to Olympic gold in 1998. In 2014, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Boycotting the Olympics is not an option

Hasek said that he personally does not agree with the boycott of the Olympics in Paris, because he does not want to deprive athletes of their Olympic dream.

He said the last chance to stop the Russians and “save many lives” would be in the hands of France, noting that as the host country it has the power to deny them entry.

In early June, Hasek spent five days in Ukraine, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, as well as the cities of Irpin and Bucha, which are recovering from brutal occupation by Russian troops.

His aim was to show support for the country in its fight against Russian aggression and to encourage the local hockey community, including young players, as half of the rinks in the war-torn country are inaccessible.

Hasek dismissed critics who say sports should not be mixed with politics, noting that countries use their successful athletes to achieve their goals.

“It was commonplace, and there is nothing wrong with it, as long as the state is not involved in murders and assassinations, and athletes have not become a tool of propaganda. This applies to Russian and Belarusian athletes. And we have to stop it” – Dominic Hasek.