The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Hockey Federation (FIH) have confirmed Russia and Belarus are now permitted to participate in youth international competitions.

It follows the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Summit in December 2025 where it was reaffirmed that athletes have a fundamental right to access sport across the world, and to compete free from political interference or pressure from governmental organisations.

The Summit supported the IOC Executive Board’s recommendation that youth athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport should no longer be restricted in their access to international youth competitions.

On that basis, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has removed all restrictions on the participation of Russia & Belarus in youth international competitions (under 18 years of age and younger categories).

Other International Federations have adopted a similar approach to the FIH.

In line with this approach, restrictions on Russia and Belarus entering EuroHockey youth competitions have now been lifted.