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World Curling Allows Russian Juniors to Compete With Flag as WBSC Lifts Limits for U18 Athletes

The decisions reflect IOC guidance restoring youth participation with national symbols.

Overview

  • World Curling authorized Russian and Belarusian junior teams to compete internationally with their flag, anthem and national uniforms.
  • The policy will first be applied at the World Junior Mixed Doubles Championship in Edmonton on May 5–10, 2026.
  • The WBSC Executive Council approved unrestricted participation for Russian and Belarusian under‑18 baseball and softball players.
  • The Russian Curling Federation says it received official WCF confirmation and has applied to enter the May mixed doubles event, described as a Youth Olympic qualifier.
  • Restrictions on senior national teams in curling remain, and WCF becomes the fourth federation after FEI, FIE and FIVB to enact the IOC’s December recommendation.