Russia Olympic Ban Upheld, But Reduced To 2 Years

  By Sampson Adedeji Russia flag and the Olympic symbol Russia's ban from international sporting events has been upheld, but reduced from four to two years,BSNSports.com.ng reports. Russian athletes will still be permitted to compete without their flag, colors and national anthem. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld doping sanctions on Thursday that will prevent Russia from competing as a nation at international sporting events, albeit shortening the exclusion from four years to two. The ban covers the Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 soccer World Cup in Qatar. Russian athletes will still be able to compete as "neutral athletes," without Russia's flag, team uniforms, or anthem. However, the court ruled that the name "Russia" can be displayed on uniforms if the words "Neutral Athlete" or "Neutral Team" have equal prominence. The ruling will also forbid Russia from applying to host any major international sporting competitions for a two-year period, starting from now.