Muay Thai Star Valent: I Am on the Side of the People of Belarus!

Dzmitry Valent not only withdrew the signature but also officially announced his position.

Muay Thai star Dzmitry Valent not only withdrew his signature but also officially announced his position: "Unfair play and violence are incompatible with sports and Olympic principles."

"By signing this letter, I realized that I had taken a rash step," the athlete said in his address. "I am against the division of the sports community for political reasons; I respect athletes who oppose lies and violence because unfair play and violence are incompatible with sports and Olympic principles. Unfortunately, all of this is going on right now in our country, and it must end. So I was determined to withdraw my signature and be honest with myself. I am on the side of the people of Belarus!"

Earlier, the Muay Thai fighter faced criticism after it became known that his signature was on the athletes' pro-government letter. His colleague Vital Hurkou also spoke out, saying that it is sometimes harder to be a champion in life than in the ring.

Two days later, Dzmitry Valent withdrew his signature.