Kuwaiti athletes cleared for Youth Olympics

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — The IOC says Kuwaiti athletes can compete in the Youth Olympics despite the suspension of their national Olympic committee.

The International Olympic Committee ruled Tuesday that Kuwaiti athletes can compete under the Olympic flag at the inaugural Youth Games in Singapore from Aug. 14-26.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams says the decision was taken to “respect the rights of the athletes.”

The IOC suspended Kuwait’s national Olympic committee in February because of alleged political interference by the government.

Kuwaiti officials are barred from Olympic meetings, and the Kuwaiti committee no longer receives Olympic funding.

Adams says four Kuwaiti athletes are entered for the Youth Games, which will feature 3,600 athletes.