The final composition of the Russian Olympic team will be known on July 30-31, the President of the Russian Olympic Committee Alexander Zhukov said.
A leave-taking ceremony for the Russian Olympic team was held early on Thursday morning at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport.
About 70 Russian athletes who have been allowed to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games - the men's and women's volleyball teams, women's handball team, and boxing, synchronized swimming and table tennis teams, took part in the goodbye ceremony.
Flight SU7150 takes off at 8.10 a.m. Moscow Standard Time.
"We have been looking forward to this day, being nervous. You know what the situation is like. But now it’s time to drop all doubts: the Russia team will take part in the Olympic Games. The entire country will be rooting for the team twice as enthusiastically as before," TASS cited Zhukov as saying.
"All people living in our vast country will be showing strong sympathy and share joy for victories. And I am confident we will see victories. I want our athletes to ignore provocations and allegations and to pursue their goals. Each of you deserves a medal," he said.
"The Russian Olympic Committee will do its best to make the athletes’ stay comfortable. I wish you success, good luck and to return with medals and without injuries," Zhukov added.
