Fifteen Russians denied a spot at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics despite having life bans for doping overturned have launched a fresh bid to take part, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said today. The 15 have made an “urgent application” challenging the International Olympic Committee’s decision to deny them invitations to the Games, which came after the sports court controversially lifted their life bans last week. CAS’s lifting of the life bans of 28 Russians was strongly criticised by the IOC and World Anti-Doping Agency. Brutal cold raises concerns over 2018 Winter Olympics opening ceremonyThe legal bids come after the IOC banned Russia’s team from the Pyeongchang Olympics following the discovery of a widespread, state-sponsored doping scandal. However, the IOC opened a loophole when it said a group of Russian athletes deemed “clean” could take part under a neutral flag as “Olympic Athletes from Russia”.

Source: Hindustan Times February 07, 2018 12:33 UTC