Lukashenko: IOC lifted restrictions

Belarusian National Olympic Committee President Viktor Lukashenko expressed gratitude to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board for its decision to lift restrictions on young athletes starting in 2023, allowing them to compete with the Belarusian flag and anthem, as well as permitting international sports events to be held in Belarus. Lukashenko emphasized the importance of political neutrality in the Olympic movement and supported IOC President Kirsty Coventry's initiative. He stated that the NOC and national federations will continue working toward the gradual removal of all sports sanctions and stressed the need for the decision to be implemented across all international federations. According to the leader, this is a significant, yet intermediate step toward fully restoring the country's sports status.

Context

For the first time since 2023, the IOC Executive Board has made a decision allowing young Belarusian athletes to participate without restrictions, using the Belarusian flag and anthem.