As many athletes from around the world are heading for the Beijing Olympic Games amid high hopes and excitement there's a different story in Iraq. That's because an International Olympic Committee ban is preventing the Iraqi Olympic team from competing at the Summer Games.
Meanwhile, an Iraqi delegation hopes to meet officials from the International Olympic Committee in Switzerland later this week in a bid to overturn the decision.
News of the ban was a devastating blow for the Olympic dreams of Iraqi athletes.
Swara Mohammed, Iraqi weightlifter, said, "We are disappointed by Iraq's regrettable decision not to participate in the Olympic Games. We hold the Iraqi government responsible because our efforts have been in vain."
An Iraqi delegation left Baghdad on Saturday for talks with IOC officials in Geneva.
The Iraqi Olympic Committee says high-level talks have already begun with IOC envoys and international mediators.
The issue was at a stalemate, after the IOC last week upheld its ban on Iraq for what it called "political interference" in Olympic affairs.
The ban was first imposed in June when the Iraqi government replaced its national Olympic Committee with members not recognized by the IOC.
The IOC insisted Iraq must reinstate the old committee, but the Iraqi government alleges the committee was rife with corruption.
The government's decision and refusal to compromise has not only angered athletes but risks aggravating sectarian rifts in Iraq.
Dr. Sirhink Abdul-khaliq, spokesman Iraqi Olympic Committee, said, "The Iraqi government should have studied the matter closely and then consulted with the authorities involved, who were keen for Iraq to participate in this international event."
The deadline for nations to finalize their Olympic teams expires on Wednesday. This means there may still be a slim chance for Iraqi athletes.
Iraq had also hoped to compete in weightlifting, judo, archery and rowing.
(CCTV July 29, 2008)
