Bern, May 8: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended lifting all restrictions on Belarusian athletes participating in international events.
The IOC’s Executive Board has decided not to impose any conditions on the participation of Belarusian athletes in competitions organized by international federations and sports organizers. This includes athletes competing in team events. The lifted restrictions were initially imposed in February 2022 and updated on March 28, 2023.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, the IOC stated that it needs to address the continuously evolving geopolitical landscape, which includes an increasing number of conflicts. Additionally, it aims to uphold its mission of maintaining a sports platform based on values that offer hope to the world.
This decision aligns with the “Fit for the Future” initiative, launched by IOC President Kirsty Coventry in September 2025. The initiative reaffirmed athletes’ fundamental rights to access sports and compete without political interference.
The IOC stated, “The IOC reaffirms that the participation of athletes in international competitions should not be restricted based on the actions of their governments, including involvement in war or conflict.”
Since the recommendations were issued in 2023, athletes holding Belarusian passports have participated in several international events as “Individual Neutral Athletes” (AIN), including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The IOC announced that the qualification period for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the Dolomiti Val di Fiemme 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games will begin this summer.
Regarding Russia, the IOC mentioned that the situation remains distinct. The Russian Olympic Committee is currently suspended, while the IOC’s Legal Affairs Commission continues to review the matter. On the other hand, Belarus’s National Olympic Committee is in good standing and complies with the Olympic Charter’s regulations.
In a separate move, the IOC’s Executive Board stated that it had decided in September 2025 to propose lifting restrictions on young athletes from both Russia and Belarus participating in international youth events. This will allow them to compete with their national flags, anthems, and team uniforms.
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My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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