Russia and Belarus partially readmitted to international handball tournaments

The International Handball Federation (IHF) has cleared the youth national teams of Russia and Belarus to compete in international competitions.

Source: IHF official website

Details: The IHF Council decision covers all junior age categories, including U21. In accordance with IOC recommendations, young athletes holding Russian and Belarusian passports will face no restrictions on access to international competitions.

"On 24 March 2026, the IHF Council approved a gradual approach to reintegration, effective immediately," the IHF statement reads.

The return of Russia and Belarus is governed by two conditions. All athletes, coaches and personnel representing Russia or Belarus are required to sign a declaration confirming no ties to military structures or state security bodies. Representatives of the Russian and Belarusian national teams must not be involved in any ongoing international conflicts.

The next IHF Council meeting will take place on 6 May 2026, at which specific steps regarding the return of Russian and Belarusian national teams to the international competition system will be considered.

Background:

• All Russian and Belarusian national teams were suspended from tournaments following the start of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine in 2022. However, international associations subsequently began lifting restrictions under pressure from the IOC.
• At the 2026 Paralympic Games, Russian and Belarusian competitors participated under their own flag and their national anthem was played during medal ceremonies.
• As a result, Ukraine and a number of other countries boycotted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2026 Paralympics.

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