sports
January 24, 2026
Russian junior weightlifters cleared to compete under national flag
The International Weightlifting Federation will allow Russian junior athletes to compete under their flag, sports minister has said
TL;DR
- Russian junior weightlifters can now compete internationally with their flag and anthem.
- The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) executive board eased restrictions for junior athletes.
- The IOC recommended in December 2025 that global sports bodies not restrict access for Russian and Belarusian junior athletes to youth competitions.
- Adult Russian weightlifters will continue to compete under neutral status.
- Full return for adult weightlifters is expected once the Russian Olympic Committee's rights are restored, potentially in March.
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