Big win for Putin as IOC urges sports bodies to let Russian youth compete with flag & anthem

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee by March, according to Russian Sport Minister Mikhail Degtyarev. He highlighted efforts over the past year and a half to secure legal and political approval, allowing athletes under 18 to compete internationally under Russia’s flag and anthem. Degtyarev described recent victories in sports like skiing, judo, luge, volleyball, and chess, emphasizing the importance of a strong legal foundation for reinstatement. While the full Olympic Committee remains suspended, these developments mark a significant breakthrough for Russian athletes eager to compete on the world stage, ahead of the Milan Games.