The head of the World Ethnosport Union calls for independence from political influences in the Olympic system.
Key facts
- •The IOC system needs independence from political influences, according to Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan.
- •The World Ethnosport Union aims to increase awareness of traditional sports and games.
- •Traditional sports can help include young people in athletic programs.
- •The Olympic movement has distanced itself from cultural elements.
- •The current Olympic system operates as an exclusive club rather than a democratic structure.
The International Olympic Committee system needs independence from political influences, according to Necmeddin Bilal Erdogan, head of the World Ethnosport Union. He made this statement at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia. Erdogan emphasized the need for different approaches to attract young people to sports.
Olympic Movement Critique
The World Ethnosport Union, based in Istanbul, aims to increase awareness of traditional sports and games. Erdogan stated that traditional sports are a good way to include young people in athletic programs. He also noted that the Olympic movement has distanced itself from cultural elements, and the current system operates as an exclusive club rather than a democratic structure.
Politicization of Sports
Erdogan expressed that authorities continue to politicize sports, and this has been the case throughout history. He also pointed out that the dominance of a Western cultural perspective in the sports industry means that the organization will predominantly remain in Western countries, as fewer nations can afford to host the Olympic Games.
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Anadolu Agency Sport.
