International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry has emphasized that governments must "keep sport a neutral ground" when she addressed at the European Evening of Sport, according to the IOC website.

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry speaks to Xinhua in Beijing on Nov. 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Yazhuo)

"Sport must remain a beacon of hope - a place where people can come together in peaceful competition. This is the essence of Olympism: every eligible athlete, team and official must be able to take part without discrimination or political interference," Coventry said during the event of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in Brussels on Monday.

"We know that sport delivers real value for society. Research has shown that sport is one of the most effective low-cost high-impact tools that we have. It improves health, it strengthens communities, it supports education, and it promotes inclusion," Coventry was quoted as saying.

The IOC president also emphasized that all voices in the Olympic Movement are equal: "We listen to all voices, and we treat every member with the same equal respect. We welcome new ideas wherever they come from."