Ukraine's Elina Svitolina disappointed by IOC decision on Belarus athletes

[p]The IOC had recommended that Russian ‌and Belarusian athletes be banned from events since 2022 ‌following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus has been used ‌as a staging ground for the invasion.[/p][p]However, the IOC said last week it no longer recommended restrictions on ‌the participation of Belarusian athletes and teams ⁠in events governed ‌by international federations and international sports event organisers.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/monfils-elina/jyngIesG/"]Svitolina[/a], who has ​continued to boycott the post-match tradition of shaking hands when she faces Russian and Belarusian ​opponents, said the decision was difficult to process given the ongoing conflict.[/p][p]"[b]Rockets are still going to ⁠Ukraine. Those two ​countries are still considered aggressors[/b]," she told reporters at the Italian Open in Rome on Sunday.[/p][p]"[b]For us it's very sad and very painful to see this even ‌considered, they're talking about it[/b].[/p][p]"[b]It's a very heavy topic. I have a lot to say. I think now isn't the best time. I'm definitely not supporting the talks[/b]."[/p][p]While they are banned from team competitions, Russian and Belarusian tennis players have continued competing on the professional tours as neutrals, without national flags or anthems.[/p][p]The governing International Tennis Federation said ‌on Friday that the IOC's announcement did not ​change its position regarding the suspensions of the ‌Belarus and Russian tennis federations.[/p][p]However, the membership status of Belarus will be considered at its October annual general meeting by voting member nations.[/p][p]Belarusian world number one [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/sabalenka-aryna/vyhksgUB/"]Aryna Sabalenka[/a] said last week she ⁠hoped tennis governing ⁠bodies would "give us our ‌flag back".[/p]