Israel’s participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris amid their conflict with Gaza has led to criticism and protests. Despite this, Israel’s 88 athletes will receive round-the-clock protection from French police. In the past, countries such as Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey, Japan, South Africa, Rhodesia, Afghanistan, Kuwait, North Korea, and Russia have been banned from the Olympics for various reasons. Russia and Belarus are among the countries banned from the 2024 Olympics due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Only 15 athletes from Russia and 18 from Belarus will compete as Individual Neutral Athletes without their flags, anthems, or uniforms. The AIN classification allows athletes with Belarusian or Russian passports to compete under specific eligibility requirements. This year’s Olympics in Paris will feature 329 events in 32 sports from July 26 to August 11. The history of countries being banned from the Olympics demonstrates the complex relationship between politics, sports, and international conflicts.
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Countries excluded from competing in the Olympics: Latest updates on Paris Olympics 2024 participants
