Hangzhou, China, September 17, 2023: The Olympic Council of Asia has reminded its National Olympic Committees that any protests or statement posters by athletes will not be allowed at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Addressing the Chefs de Mission meeting in the Athletes’ Village on Sunday, September 17, the OCA’s Acting Director General, Vinod Kumar Tiwari, said any athletes failing to comply with this rule would be removed from the Games.
“We will not allow any protest, religious or political,” he said.
“Please ensure that your athletes are aware of this. If there is any form of protest we will withdraw the accreditation,” he told the delegates of the National Olympic Committees.
This message followed up an earlier notice during the CDM meeting on September 15. A list of restricted items included: “Banners, slogans and other promotional materials that promote political, racial, religious or commercial content and violate the OCA Constitution and Rules, or Chinese laws and regulations (Religious items for personal use are permitted).”
This rule applies especially to the victory ceremony, when an athlete can display the flag of their country or region but no other props are allowed, including photos and posters.