(MENAFN) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has appealed to governments worldwide to maintain sport as a space free from political influence, stressing that all eligible athletes should have the opportunity to participate without facing discrimination.

During a speech in Brussels on Monday, IOC President Kirsty Coventry urged host nations and sports organizers to “guarantee access for all,” describing sport as both a “beacon of hope” and a “neutral ground.”

Her remarks come in the wake of the IOC’s recent choice to prolong current restrictions, allowing only pre-approved Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete individually under a neutral flag at the upcoming Winter Games in Italy.

Competitors from these countries were barred from participating shortly after the intensification of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022.

“This is the essence of Olympism: every eligible athlete, team, and official must be able to take part without discrimination or political interference,” Coventry affirmed.

The IOC has made the full text of what it called a “keynote” speech available on its official website.

Coventry, who became the first African to lead the IOC when she assumed office in June, shared a personal story to underscore her message.

She reflected on her two Olympic gold medals in backstroke swimming for Zimbabwe.

“If you had decided to sanction me when my country was going through turmoil, I would not have made it to the Olympic Games. I would not have won my Olympic medals. My path would have been completely different than it is today,” she explained.

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