The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to lift the restrictions previously imposed on the National Olympic team of Belarus
May 18, 2026
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to lift the restrictions previously imposed on the National Olympic Team of Belarus
The decision by the International Olympic Committee to lift the restrictions on the National Olympic Team of Belarus marks a significant turning point in the international sports agenda. In effect, this means the restoration of the rights of Belarusian athletes to participate in competitions under the national flag, with the national anthem, and as part of national teams, i.e., in their full capacity, which had been restricted since 2022.
The IOC's decision is the result of consistent work to protect athletes' rights, as well as an acknowledgment that the Olympic movement should remain outside of political conflicts. Belarusian experts call the decision fair and timely – it opens up new opportunities for training, international cooperation, and participation in major tournaments.
Yevgeny Kovalyov, a coach-teacher at the Beshenkovichi Children and Youth Sports School, commented on the situation.
— Any professional athlete will tell you: the main thing is the opportunity to compete. Without real starts, the meaning of training is lost, the competitive instinct dulls, — notes Yevgeny Kovalyov. — The IOC's decision returns this opportunity to our athletes. And this is the most important thing.
The coach emphasizes that even under restrictions, Belarusian athletes continued to work and show high results in the venues where they were admitted.
— Sport and politics should not be mixed. This is a truth that, unfortunately, many have forgotten in recent years, — reasons Evgeny. — I hope that the IOC's decision will be a starting point for the full normalization of relations in all international federations. Our athletes deserve to compete under their own flag, hear their anthem, and feel the support of their country. We are moving towards this, and I believe that everything will work out.