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IOC Reaffirms Neutral-Only Status for Russians and Belarusians at 2026 Winter Games

Qualification now rests with international federations enforcing their own policies.

Overview

  • IOC President Kirsty Coventry said a truce would not alter the decision that only individually approved neutral athletes may compete.
  • Russian and Belarusian athletes remain barred from flags, anthems and national symbols, cannot enter team events or the opening ceremony, and any medals will not appear in the official table.
  • Coventry said communication lines are open with the Olympic committees of Russia and Israel.
  • The size of any neutral delegation will be determined by sport-by-sport qualification, with some federations still blocking Russians and Belarusians from events.
  • The IOC has urged more permissive youth participation, and volleyball and fencing have moved to allow juniors to return under national symbols.