Islam Makhachev claims Russia is being banned from Paris Olympics because of "dirty politics"

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has recently voiced his strong disapproval of Russia’s ban from the Paris 2024 Olympics, labeling the decision as “dirty politics.” The International Olympic Committee (IOC) imposed the ban on Russia and Belarus in February 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, citing a violation of the Olympic Truce.

Makhachev, who hails from Dagestan, Russia, took to Instagram to express his frustration. He sympathized with athletes who have dedicated their lives to their Olympic dreams, only to be denied the opportunity to compete due to political circumstances. He criticized the “double standards” of the countries involved in the decision, suggesting it was unfair to punish athletes for actions beyond their control.

Islam Makhachev opens up on the Paris Olympics

In his post, Islam Makhachev wrote: “I enjoyed watching wrestling these days. It’s a pity that dirty politics got into such a courageous sport. People who gave their whole lives to this sport and got a chance to compete at the Olympic Games are forced to stay at home and watch the Olympics on TV. The double standards of dirty countries deprive our athletes of what they have been striving for all their lives”.

Islam Makhachev speaks out about Russia being banned from the 2024 Olympic Games:
"I enjoyed watching wrestling these days. It's a pity that dirty politics got into such a courageous sport.
People who gave their whole lives to this sport and got a chance to compete at the… pic.twitter.com/7nioRBHzcw
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 11, 2024

Islam Makhachev also strongly criticized the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, calling it “disgusting” and a “dark stain” on the prestigious event. He expressed his disappointment during an interview with a Russian media outlet, stating that the ceremony disrespected all religions and human values. “Honestly, I even planned to go to the Olympics, but after what I saw, I don’t want to go there,” he added.

The situation raises important questions about the intersection of sports and politics. Is it fair to punish athletes for their country’s actions? Or should there be a way to separate the two? Makhachev’s comments have sparked a broader debate on these issues, highlighting the complex relationship between global politics and international sports competitions.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue, the controversy surrounding the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes remains a contentious topic, with many athletes and fans alike questioning the fairness and implications of such decisions.