IOC Eases Curbs on Belarusian Athletes Ahead of LA 2028

Bern- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Belarusian athletes will no longer face special restrictions while participating in international sporting events.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the IOC said its Executive Board has withdrawn earlier recommendations that imposed conditions on Belarusian athletes and teams competing under International Federations and global sports organisers. These restrictions were originally introduced in February 2022 and revised in March 2023.

The IOC said the decision was taken keeping in mind the increasingly challenging global political environment and the organisation’s commitment to keeping sports free from political influence. It also highlighted the importance of maintaining a values-driven sporting platform that inspires hope worldwide.

The move is part of the IOC’s “Fit for the Future” initiative launched by IOC President Kirsty Coventry in September 2025, which stressed that every athlete has the right to participate in sports without political barriers.

“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,” the statement said.

Since 2023, Belarusian competitors had been participating as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) in several major events, including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

The IOC also pointed out that qualification events for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games are set to begin this summer.

However, the committee clarified that Russia’s situation remains unchanged. The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) is still suspended as the IOC Legal Affairs Commission continues its review. In contrast, Belarus’ National Olympic Committee remains in good standing and complies with the Olympic Charter.

In another significant development, the IOC Executive Board revealed that it had already proposed in September 2025 to remove restrictions on youth athletes from both Russia and Belarus. Under the proposal, they would be allowed to compete in international youth events under their own national flags, anthems and team uniforms.

With inputs from IANS