South Korea voices regret over banning Russia from Winter Olympics

South Korea voiced regret over the decision to ban Russia from the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, saying the participation of the country’s athletes was crucial to the success of the event.

The South Korean sports ministry urged Russian athletes to compete as neutrals following the International Olympic Committee’s unprecedented ban, saying in a statement it had "worked hard over the past seven years to make meticulous preparations" for a peaceful and harmonious Games.

"The participation of winter sports athletes from around the world, including Russia, is the key to the success of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and a crucial factor in realizing the Olympic spirit," the ministry, which is responsible for preparing the Games, said.

It added that the presence of Russian athletes "who have shown outstanding performance in the many previous winter games, would make significant contributions to the success of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games".

The absence of athletes from Russia would represent a major blow to host South Korea, already battling under the shadow of North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, the Star reported.