Overview
- The IOC executive board on December 11 recommended lifting limits on Russian and Belarusian participation in world youth competitions under standard protocols allowing flag, anthem and uniform, with possible application by Dakar 2026 and backing from the Olympic Summit.
- Oleg Matytsin said the move remains advisory and urged formal decisions by the IOC and international federations to secure equal rights for Russian and Belarusian athletes.
- Mikhail Degtyarev labeled the recommendation the defining sports development of 2025 for Russia and cast it as a midpoint in broader reintegration efforts.
- Degtyarev cited steps that paved the way, including the IJF’s return of national symbols to Russian judokas, favorable arbitration precedents in several sports, restoration of the Russian Paralympic Committee’s status, participation in the 2025 Universiade and Russia’s election to a UNESCO anti‑doping committee.
- Looking ahead, Degtyarev outlined goals for 2026 that he expects to pursue, including restoring ROC status, reentry to team sports such as water polo, handball and volleyball, a gradual return of national symbols across more disciplines, and participation at the Dakar Youth Olympics en route to the United States Olympics.