The biggest refugee delegation of all time is invited to the Paris Olympics / Article

Refugees will participate in the Olympic Games for the third time after starting in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and in 2021 in Tokyo, but they have not yet managed to reach the medals. 10 refugees competed in Rio, while in Olympic Tokyo their number increased to 29 athletes. Refugees have not yet participated in the Winter Olympics.

At the Paris Games, the refugee team will include athletes from 11 countries competing in 12 sports. 14 Iranian athletes and five athletes each from Afghanistan and Syria will compete as refugees. Masoma Ali Zada, who competed in cycling at the Tokyo Games, will be the head of the delegation of the refugee team.

The refugee team will also have their own badge, which will be used in the opening ceremony of the Games. Previously, refugees competed under the Olympic flag.

In an online address, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach praised the refugee athletes for their contribution to the Olympic movement and excellence that demonstrates the potential of human ability.

“It will be a message to more than 100 million displaced people around the world. At the same time, you will let billions of people around the world realize the scale of the refugee crisis,” Bach said.

In the last couple of months, three athletes with refugee status have tested positive for doping. IOC spokesman James McLeod admitted that doping violations are always disappointing, but refugees should expect to be subject to all the same requirements as any athlete.

The Paris Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11.

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