Vladimir Putin claims Beijing Olympics diplomatic boycott about ‘ambitions’

Vladimir Putin has stepped up his criticism of the US and Britain for staging a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games in Beijing, accusing western countries of politicising sport and violating the Olympic charter, which promotes peaceful competition among nations.

A number of western countries, which also include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia and Lithuania have refused to send officials to Beijing for Friday’s opening ceremony in protest at human rights abuses by the Chinese government.

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However the Russian president told China’s official news agency Xinhua that he questioned their motives. “Unfortunately, attempts by a number of countries to politicise sports issues for the sake of their ambitions have recently intensified.” Putin said. “This is fundamentally wrong and contradicts the very spirit and principles of the Olympic Charter.”

“The power and greatness of sports are that it brings people together, gives moments of triumph and pride for the country and delights with fair, just and uncompromising competition,” he added. “And these approaches are shared by most of the states participating in the International Olympic movement.

Putin, who is in Beijing for the opening ceremony, has previously said that a diplomatic boycott by the west was a mistake driven by a desire to restrain China’s development.

However the Russian president predicted that Beijing 2022 would be a success, telling Russian news agency, Tass: “I am convinced that China’s rich experience in the flawless organisation of representative international competitions will make it possible to hold this world sports festival at the highest level.

“Our Chinese