Serbia tells athletes: Avoid Kosovo flag, anthem

RIO DE JANEIRO: Serbia has advised its athletes competing at the Rio Olympics to withdraw from any medal award ceremonies if they have to share the podium with athletes

RIO DE JANEIRO: Serbia has advised its athletes competing at the Rio Olympics to withdraw from any medal award ceremonies if they have to share the podium with athletes from breakaway Kosovo. Serbia has never recognised Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence from it. Serbian Sports Minister Vanja Udovicic says Sunday on the state TV website that the final decision is up to the athletes themselves, while the government has issued only a recommendation. Udovicic concedes that the issue is “complex.” Udovicic says Serbia’s government didn’t want to undermine its athletes but “we cannot listen to the (Kosovo) anthem and watch their flag.”

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