Russian Juniors Cleared for International Competitions: Reactions to IOC Recommendations

Member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, **[Dmitry Svishchyov](https://example.com)**, shared his thoughts on the recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) concerning the participation of young Russian athletes in international competitions. It was recently announced that the IOC has lifted all restrictions on young Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete in Olympic sports events while representing their national symbols.

«I believe this is fantastic news! It’s a significant and correct decision. This marks the first and most crucial strategic move by the new IOC leadership. Allowing young athletes to compete without restrictions, under their flags and with the national anthem, is incredibly important for our athletes as well as for those from Belarus. Now, the key is to see how the international federations will respond. These are recommendations. International federations, which have been hesitant and unsure about their decisions, now have a basis for action.

This decision should serve as a foundation for full participation across all disciplines, both individual and team events. Unfortunately, sports like hockey, football, curling, volleyball, and basketball have not been allowed anywhere. We have missed numerous competitions over the years. We hope for a swift resolution from the international federations. My own curling federation will be sending a letter today or tomorrow, urging our colleagues to pay attention to the IOC’s recommendations. Previously, I was told that there were guidelines against allowing athletes in team sports. At least now, for the youth, that restriction has been lifted with a recommendation to permit participation. We will reach out to our colleagues in the international federations,” Svishchyov remarked in an interview with “Championat” journalist Ilya Nikulnikov.