– Sabalenka helps the dictator, has by no means as soon as opposed the struggle in Ukraine and has not opposed the repression of the opposition. Lukashenko guidelines Belarusian sport and makes a very powerful selections alone. I would not rule out that the choice to withdraw probably the most well-known athlete from the Olympics can also be his doing, says Paweł Łatuszka, head of the opposition Nationwide Anti-Disaster Administration.

The activist emphasizes that the Belarusian dictator treats sport as politics and makes use of it as a key propaganda device. – Can athletes refuse him? Sure and no. Allow us to keep in mind, nonetheless, that Sabalenka continues to be strongly connected to Belarus, and everybody can draw their very own conclusions. I’d similar to to remind you that in Belarus individuals are detained daily whose solely crime is resisting the need of the dictator, Latushka emphasizes.

White flag and verification

And in the case of participating within the Olympics – in keeping with the IOC tips, Aryna Sabalenka may solely play within the match beneath a impartial flag. Moreover, she must efficiently move verification concerning her lack of reference to the Belarusian providers and wouldn’t have the ability to participate within the doubles.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Pod Siatka: Polish ladies are again within the sport. The White and Reds reached Hong Kong

Most athletes from Russia and Belarus don’t have any probability to carry out in Paris, and so they take into account the restrictions to be humiliating, because the coach of Russian gymnasts, Valentina Rodionenko, immediately acknowledged. Because of this, main athletes from these international locations have already declared that they intend to stay in solidarity with their compatriots and boycott the quadrennial occasion. Some individuals stated outright that beginning in Paris beneath a impartial flag could be a betrayal of the homeland.

A hidden act of solidarity

– Already in Sabalenka’s translations it was clear that she was discouraged by the formal necessities, which she almost definitely thought-about not well worth the effort – says Mieszko Rajkiewicz, an professional on sports activities coverage from the New Europe Institute. – I believe she was conscious of the picture threats and attainable ostracism from the world media, which will surely prefer to get a transparent political declaration from her through the Olympics. The sports activities type itself was additionally vital. Nonetheless, I’d rule out that Sabalenka was afraid of Lukashenko’s response, as a result of repression towards her could be fairly inconceivable, he admits.

The ultimate record of athletes from Belarus and Russia who will meet the situations imposed by the IOC continues to be unknown. Nonetheless, it’s identified that just a few gamers from these international locations needs to be anticipated in Paris. He’ll watch the remainder of the combat on TV.

In line with tennis specialists, this doesn’t imply that Sabalenka’s resignation is a hidden act of solidarity with different athletes from her nation who, as a consequence of their connections with the military and providers, don’t have any probability of going to Paris.

Sports activities argument

– It’s troublesome to sense Sabalenka’s true motives. Maybe it is political issues, however perhaps it is also chilly calculation, as a result of in Paris she would not actually have an opportunity to win a medal. It performs mediocre on clay and loses a number of its benefits. I suppose she did not depend on a medal herself and knew that she would not be probably the most harmful rival for Iga – admits Tomasz Wolfke, a tennis professional.

– One other factor is that Sabalenka goes via a turbulent interval in her private life, in any case, her former fiancé fell from a balcony and died, so perhaps she wants some relaxation and determined that it could take advantage of sense to start out getting ready for the US Open – provides Wolfke.

The professional additionally reminds that he has beforehand stated many instances that he’s of the opinion that Belarusians and Russians shouldn’t seem in Paris. – That is why I am proud of Sabalenka’s choice, whatever the causes.

Mateusz Puka, journalist of WP SportoweFakty

Learn extra:
What about Lewandowski? Key days of the captain Austrian coach earlier than the match towards Poland