IOC allows Belarusian boys

At the 14th Olympic Summit held on December 11, 2023, in Lausanne, the International Olympic Committee approved a proposal allowing young Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flag and anthem at international competitions, including the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. The new recommendations eliminate the need for the neutral 'AIN' status and additional checks by international federations. Furthermore, Belarus regains the right to host top-level international tournaments on its territory.

In December 2023, the IOC Executive Board also made a decision to relocate or cancel certain events, but this change now confirms the proposal dated March 28, 2023.

Thus, Belarusian athletes will once again be able to represent their country in the international sports arena without restrictions and complications, and Belarus will be able to become a ceremonial host of major sporting events again.

Context

By 2015, Belarus was first recognized as a Full Member of the IOC, and in 2021 the country tightened international rules for access to the Olympic Games.