MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Wednesday for the development of single international doping-control requirements, saying that both athletes and fans should have open access to information.
Speaking to athletes ahead of next week’s Rio Olympics, the head of state pointed out that the newly established Anti-Doping Commission headed by Vitaly Smirnov would work closely and transparently with international organizations.
"We intend to bring to justice all those involved in doping scandals, regardless of rank and merit, but more importantly to create a positive system of preventing doping in sport in accordance with the national anti-doping plan, whose development as you know we have already started," Putin said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also promised that Russia would defend the honor of its athletes and called on them to show the world that Russians could win honestly and openly.
"I want you to know: without a doubt, we are proud of you. And we shall do everything to defend your sporting honor and dignity. Justice will prevail," Putin said.
"I sincerely hope that you will demonstrate your talents and skill, show the whole world that we can win honestly and openly. Our great big country will be rooting for you," the president said.
Many Russian athletes suffer unjustly without specific charges brought against them, as the situation with short-sighted politicians has gone beyond legal framework and common sense, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"Today there are gathered here those who have long been preparing for the main contest of every four years and who deserve the right to defend Russia's sporting honor. However, unfortunately, not everyone will be able to fulfill their dreams. And it should be said that short-sighted politicians are not willing to leave sports alone. Although it is sport that is supposed to bring nations together and ease tensions existing between countries," Putin said.
Many Russian athletes have suffered unjustly for facing doping suspicions without concrete accusations, President Vladimir Putin said, suggesting medals won at the Rio Olympics would be clouded in light of some Russian athletes' absence.
"Many of our athletes have been unfairly affected, against whom I want to emphasize no concrete charges backed by evidence have been put forward. This in effect delivers a blow to the entire global sport and the Olympic Games," Putin said.
Speaking to members of the Russian team ahead of the August 5-21 games, the president pointed out that the quality and sample of the foreign athletes’ medals "will be different."
"It is clear that the absence of Russian athletes, leaders in many events, will notably reduce the heat of struggle, and hence the entertainment value of upcoming events," he stressed.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) managed to avoid splitting the Olympic movement despite pressure and adverse media coverage, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"The International Olympic Committee, despite huge overt pressure and, as it seems, specifically created negative media coverage, avoided splitting the Olympic movement and gave international federations for different kinds of sports the right to decide whether to allow the [Russian] athletes to participate," Putin said.
The president added that the exact number of Russian athletes that would be allowed to compete in the Olympics in Rio remained unknown, while the Games are less than two weeks away.
"And such uncertainty, naturally, influences athletes' preparation," Putin said.
