MOSCOW, April 3. /TASS/. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) as well as other sports organizations are in a political pressure cooker now, so they are hampering Russia’s participation in international competition, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said in reporting to the State Duma (lower house of the parliament).

"Regrettably, the IOC and other sports organizations are under serious political pressure, and prevent Russian athletes from participating in international and European competitions," the prime minister said.

He pointed out that Russia has other options, including the CIS Games, Russian-Chinese Games, Children of Asia International Sports Games, as well as sports festivals for students.

According to Mishustin, the Games of the Future international tournament also made some noise internationally, and, as Russian President Vladimir Putin noted, the event is free from politics and discrimination.

"Many events are also scheduled for 2024, including the Friendship Games," the minister added, stressing that the cabinet of ministers will continue to support Russian athletes so that they are able to "achieve the best results in their contests with worthy rivals."