30 January 2026
Russian and Belarusian junior athletes return to international competition confirmed
Following the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board at their Olympic Summit in December 2025, stating that junior athletes should not be held accountable for the actions of their governments, Russian and Belarusian junior curlers will be allowed to compete on the international stage once again.
After comprehensive discussion regarding this recommendation, the World Curling Board have confirmed that junior curlers from Russia and Belarus are now eligible to return to international competition.
The change in eligibility will begin with the World Junior Mixed Doubles Curling Championship 2026, taking place in Edmonton, Canada in May.
The Russian Curling Federation have indicated that they will enter a mixed doubles pair in the event.
The existing event exclusion will remain in place for the adult athletes at this time and will be reviewed by World Curling following member consultations at the Open Meetings being held in Geneva in April.
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