Russias preparations for Winter Olympics unhampered by IOC probe

Moscow Oct 11 (IANS) A current investigation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) into Russias alleged violations of anti-doping rules does not hamper the national teams preparations for the 2018 Winter Games Russian Sports Minister Pavel Kolobkov said on Wednesday.

"The winter season has begun and I held meetings with all presidents of (sports) federations and head coaches " Kolobkov told journalists reports Tass news agency.

"The stage of preparations is almost completed and Para athletes are set for qualifiers " he added.

"We are not discussing this situation and are in a standard mode of preparations for the Olympics."

The next Olympics which are XXIII Winter Olympic Games will take place in South Korea s PyeongChang from February 9 to 25 2018 and Russia s participation in the event is still under a question mark.

--IANS
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