The International Olympic Committee has lifted restrictions on athletes from Belarus, effective immediately, allowing them to compete fully in international events. The decision, announced Thursday by the IOC executive board, paves the way for a Belarusian delegation at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, including participation in the opening ceremony and inclusion in the medal table.
In contrast, Russian athletes remain under strict bans, permitted only to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes. The IOC cited Russia's suspension since 2023 for incorporating four occupied Ukrainian regions into its Olympic body, along with renewed concerns over the country's anti-doping system. Belarus had been similarly barred following its role as a staging ground for Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.