“The International Olympic Committee has decided to reinstate the rights of the Russian Olympic Committee.
The IOC Executive Board recently reversed its March 28, 2023 decision, regarding the neutral status of Russian athletes. They have also lifted the ban on Russian participation in team sports. Besides, all verifications regarding the neutrality of Russian athletes have been revoked. The IOC has lifted its ban on international competitions in Russia. Athletes newly making their return to international competitions are currently undergoing testing by the International Testing Agency (ITA) while RUSADA works on its reinstatement, and this process is progressing smoothly.
This achievement has been made possible through the ongoing legal and diplomatic efforts of the Ministry of Sports and the Russian Olympic Committee. The return of our country to the Olympic family signals a green light for International Federations to reinstate all our athletes’ rights.
We are working on the reinstatement of the sports entity as directed by the President of Russia, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.
As of now, over 20 International Sports Federations are allowing junior athletes to compete under the Russian flag and anthem. Additionally, ten Federations are providing opportunities for all athletes without restrictions. The IOC’s decision aims to expedite this process further.
The Russian national team is preparing for the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, which take place under the Russian flag in autumn 2026, as well as the qualification for the 2028 Summer Olympics in the USA.
We still have significant work to do in implementing the IOC’s decisions within international organizations. However, the IOC has made it clear that the Olympic movement should remain separate from politics.”
