Russia, Belarus invited to Asian Games, an Olympic qualifier

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Russia and its ally Belarus have been invited to compete at the Asian Games in the next step to qualify athletes for next year’s Paris Olympics. The arrangement has been brokered by the International Olympic Committee. The IOC indicated on Wednesday that it favors allowing Russians to compete at the 2024 Olympics as neutral athletes. Competing in qualifying events in Asia administered by the Olympic Council of Asia could sidestep possible tensions if Russia were to compete in Europe.