World Aquatics loosens the bridle. The International Swimming Federation has decided to widen thelist of Russian athletes allowed to run under neutral status, reports TASS agency. It added to it 19 additional names, including Aleksandr Bondar, multiple world medalist and bronze medalist in 10m synchronized diving at the Tokyo Olympics. World Aquatics now authorizes 50 athletes to compete under a neutral status. Several Russians were able to take part in the short course World Championships in December in Budapest. They obtained six gold and four silver medals, the second best record behind the United States. The men's relay even set a new 4x100m medley world record. The young Miron Lifintsev, aged 18, particularly shone with five titles (50 m backstroke, 100 m backstroke and three relays). Belarusian swimmers were also present. They won two bronze medals. As many athletes that we should find at the World Swimming Championships, in Singapore, from July 11 to August 3.
However, International Ice Hockey Federation(IIHF) is keeping the door closed. It announced on Tuesday that the "current security conditions"did not allow the reintegration of national teams and clubs from Russia and Belarus into its competitions in 2025-2026. "The IIHF must maintain the status quo until further notice, it wrote in his press release. The IIHF Council will continue to monitor the situation, with the latest date to determine whether it is possible to reinstate Russia and Belarus for the 2026-2027 season set in may 2026, during the Council meetingl preceding the IIHF Annual Congress. La question de la présence de la Russie, qualifiée pour les tournois masculin et féminin, aux Jeux olympiques de Milan-Cortina 2026 n’est pas définitivement tranchée pour autant puisque le CIO n’a pas encore affiché sa position.
