IHF clears Belarus youth teams for international return

MINSK, 26 March (BelTA) – The Council of the International Handball Federation (IHF) has decided that the youth handball teams of Belarus and Russia are to return to official international tournaments, BelTA has learned.

The IHF Council’s decision applies to all youth age categories of handball players up to and including U21. In addition, Belarusian and Russian youth teams are permitted to organize friendly matches and tournaments and participate in them.

The next meeting of the IHF Council will take place on 6 May 2026, where further steps regarding the broader reintegration of Belarusian and Russian national teams into international handball competitions will be discussed.