LONDON (AP) — IOC presidential candidate Ng Ser Miang says the Olympic body is engaged in “quiet diplomacy” with Russian leaders to make sure next year’s Winter Games in Sochi are not affected by the country’s new anti-gay legislation.
Ng, an IOC vice president from Singapore, says the International Olympic Committee is in talks with “the highest authority” in Russia to avert any problems for athletes and visitors.
He predicts there will be a “good solution” and the issue will be resolved “to the satisfaction of all.”
Ng says Russia has invested heavily in the Sochi Olympics and will want to make sure the games are a success. He says calls for a boycott are “misplaced.”
Ng is one of six candidates to succeed Jacques Rogge, who steps down as IOC president next month.
