IOC’s Bach Says Sports Tied to Politics
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach says sports must acknowledge its relationship to politics and big business, while still maintaining its neutrality.
In a speech at the Asian Games Saturday, Bach said the IOC and other sporting bodies need to partner with the world's political and business leaders, but shouldn't take sides in conflicts. Likewise, global leaders also need to respect the autonomy of sporting bodies.
Bach cited the universal application of competition regulations as an example of sports' ability to function as a sort of international law helping global peace and development.
Bach said that has been a central theme of his first year in office, during which he's met with 81 heads of state and government. He cited the IOC's relationship with the United Nations as being particularly successful.
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