Russian athletes cleared to compete internationally in 39 Olympic sports, says Deputy PM
Quick Look
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko announced that Russian athletes are now officially allowed to participate in 39 Olympic Summer Games sports events internationally, with plans to compete in 60 World and European Championships in 2026 and the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in November, following IOC reinstatement of the Russian Olympic Committee and subsequent lifting of restrictions by international federations.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Russian athletes had faced restrictions in international competitions following geopolitical events, but the IOC's July decision to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee paved the way for gradual return to global events.
MOSCOW, September 7. /TASS/. Russian athletes are now officially allowed to participate internationally in 39 sports events on the Olympic Summer Games program, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said on Monday.
"Overall, the Russian Sports Ministry carries out systematic work regarding the return of our athletes to the international stage," Chernyshenko stated at a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. "They have already been allowed to participate in 39 competitions listed on the Summer Olympics program as well as in Sambo [wrestling]."
"I would like to note that our athletes already participate in international tournaments under the national flag and the country’s anthem in 23 various sports competitions," he continued.
"In 2026, Russian athletes plan to compete in 60 World and European Championships that have 29 Olympic sports events on their schedule. Our team is currently gearing up for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, which will be held in the first half of November. Russian athletes will be represented there in 14 various sports competitions," Chernyshenko added.
In July, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruled to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and also recommended lifting restrictions on the participation of Russian athletes in all international tournaments. This recommendation applied to both individual and team sports. Numerous international sports federations followed the proposal.
Later on, some of the international sports federations decided to lift all previously imposed restrictions not only for youth athletes but for all athletes at various levels from Russia and Belarus.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Russian athletes will compete in the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in November 2024
Very likely · Within months
Russian athletes will participate in 60 World and European Championships in 2026 featuring 29 Olympic sports
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- Which specific international sports federations have lifted restrictions for Russian and Belarusian athletes?
- What are the exact 39 Olympic sports in which Russian athletes are now cleared to compete?
- Will any remaining restrictions apply to certain events or athlete categories in 2026?
