The sweeping bans imposed on Russian athletes are the result of “unprecedented external pressure and Russophobic hysteria” but sporting organizations will reverse course and understand their mistakes, according to Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) president Stanislav Pozdnyakov.
Russian and Belarusian competitors have been barred from a wide range of international events in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine, with many federations taking their cue from an International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommendation issued at the end of February.
Speaking at an ROC Executive Committee meeting in Moscow on Thursday, Pozdnyakov said Russia would respond to the various measures imposed against its athletes – but would do so in the right manner.
“There is public speculation and attempts to escalate anti-Russian hysteria,” said the ROC chief in comments shared by TASS.