Russian athletes banned from 2016 Olympics in Rio over doping

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian track and field athletes remain banned from international competition, including the 2016 Olympics in Rio, BBC news reports.

Athletics chiefs have decided not to lift the suspension, which was imposed in November following accusations of state-sponsored doping.

But individual athletes can compete as neutrals if they prove they are clean.

Meanwhile, Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva said she would challenge the IAAF's decision in court, claiming it was "a human rights violation."

Isinbayeva, 34, who won Olympic gold in 2004 and 2008, added: "I'm disappointed and angry. I am offended. Nobody defended us.

"Nobody fought for our rights and there are huge concerns over the IAAF itself and its stance on defending the rights of clean athletes.

"We are blamed for something we have not done. I will not remain silent, I will take measures. I will appeal to the human rights court."

Russian president Vladimir Putin described the ban as "unjust and unfair," BBC says.

He said: "There are universally recognised principles of law and one of them is that the responsibility should be always personified.

"If some of the members of your family have committed a crime, would it be fair to hold all the members of the family liable, including you? That is not how it's done.

"The people who have nothing to do with violations, why should they suffer for those who committed the violations?"