Photo courtesy of RIA Novosti
MINSK, 7 May (BelTA) - The International Olympic Committee has decided to allow Belarusian athletes to compete under their flag and anthem without any restrictions at all international competitions, BelTA learned from the press service of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus.
The IOC Executive Board is lifting any restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletes, including teams, in competitions organized by international federations and organizers of international sporting events.
Today, the IOC Executive Board lifted the recommended conditions of participation for International Federations and international sports event organizers of 28 February 2022 and 28 March 2023 as they relate to Belarus and Belarusian athletes, including the protective measures.
In a press release, the organization noted that the IOC continues to navigate the ever-increasing complex realities and consequences of the current geopolitical context, including the rising number of wars and conflicts, and amidst growing global instability, it must uphold its mission to preserve a values-based and truly global sporting platform that provides hope to the world.
This objective has been reaffirmed through the wide-ranging discussions that have taken place as part of the Fit for the Future process, during which the fundamental right of athletes to access sport and compete free from political interference or governmental pressure was confirmed by the IOC Executive Board in September 2025.
The IOC reaffirms that athletes’ participation in international competition should not be limited by the actions of their governments, including involvement in a war or conflict.
Since the issuance of the IOC recommendations for IFs and international sports event organizers on 28 March 2023, athletes with a Belarusian passport have participated as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) in numerous international sporting events, as well as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, without any incident on or off the field of play.
In addition, the IOC recognizes that the qualification period for both the LA28 Olympic Games and the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games starts this summer.
It is important for Belarusian athletes to take part in the selection process on equal terms with everyone else.
The IOC Executive Board is lifting any restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletes, including teams, in competitions organized by international federations and organizers of international sporting events.
Today, the IOC Executive Board lifted the recommended conditions of participation for International Federations and international sports event organizers of 28 February 2022 and 28 March 2023 as they relate to Belarus and Belarusian athletes, including the protective measures.
In a press release, the organization noted that the IOC continues to navigate the ever-increasing complex realities and consequences of the current geopolitical context, including the rising number of wars and conflicts, and amidst growing global instability, it must uphold its mission to preserve a values-based and truly global sporting platform that provides hope to the world.
This objective has been reaffirmed through the wide-ranging discussions that have taken place as part of the Fit for the Future process, during which the fundamental right of athletes to access sport and compete free from political interference or governmental pressure was confirmed by the IOC Executive Board in September 2025.
The IOC reaffirms that athletes’ participation in international competition should not be limited by the actions of their governments, including involvement in a war or conflict.
Since the issuance of the IOC recommendations for IFs and international sports event organizers on 28 March 2023, athletes with a Belarusian passport have participated as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) in numerous international sporting events, as well as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, without any incident on or off the field of play.
In addition, the IOC recognizes that the qualification period for both the LA28 Olympic Games and the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games starts this summer.
It is important for Belarusian athletes to take part in the selection process on equal terms with everyone else.
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