Russian Olympic Committee President Alexander Zhukov, center, passes through Russia’s National Olympic team members during the ceremony before Russian team’s departure for Rio Olympics, in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo, Russia, Thursday, July 28, 2016. More than 100 Russians from the 387-strong Olympic team have been banned so far from going to Rio de Janeiro over the country’s doping scandal. AP
MOSCOW — Russia’s much-depleted Olympic team has departed for the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro after dozens of its athletes were excluded amid the country’s doping scandal.
Team members left on a charter flight Thursday morning from Moscow’s Sheremetevo airport to Brazil, a day after an emotional farewell ceremony with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.
More than 100 athletes from what was originally a 387-strong team have been barred from competing in Rio by international sports federations under sanctions which most Russian athletes consider unfair.
READ: Olympics: Russian athletes lose Rio ban appeal
As she prepared to depart, handball player Anna Sen vowed to “fight for those athletes who were disqualified.”
Volleyball player Sergei Tetyukhin said “today, as never before, we need to stay united and become a family.” TVJ
READ: Russia’s participation in Rio uncertain after doping report