Russia’s flagless uniforms ‘lucky star’ for Tokyo Games

The Russian Olympic team unveiled new uniforms

bearing the logo of the Russian Olympic Committee instead of the country’s flag

Designed by ZASPORT, the new uniforms feature three flames

in the colors of the national flag with Olympic rings below them

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) DESIGNER ANASTASIA ZADORINA, SAYING: "For me, it is a great honor to produce the uniforms for our Russian team and to be its representative. I wish our athletes luck and victory. And of course, we are supporting them."

Russian athletes are barred from competing under their flag until 2022

following an anti-doping ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PRESIDENT, STANISLAV POZDNYAKOV, SAYING: "We exchanged opinions with our colleagues. The collection did not disappoint the fans or the athletes. On the contrary, it will become our lucky star for the Tokyo games.”