The 14th Olympic Summit announced Thursday to support the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Executive Board (EB) that youth athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport should no longer be restricted in entering international youth competitions, in both individual and team sports.
The IOC EB meetings, held from Tuesday to Wednesday in Lausanne, Switzerland, recommended to lift restrictions on youth athletes from the two countries in international youth events.
"The Summit supported the IOC EB's recommendation that youth athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport should no longer be restricted in their access to international youth competitions, in both individual and team sports," announced the IOC in a statement.
The IOC explained the definition of youth competitions and the application of these recommendations for this purpose depends on the regulations of each International Federation (IF).
According to the statement, the standard protocols of the International Federation (IF) or the International Sports Event Organizer regarding flags, anthems, uniforms and other elements should apply.
The above principles should also apply to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, and are recommended for adoption by all IFs and international sports event organizers for their own youth events.
The 14th Olympic Summit at Olympic House is a high-level annual meeting of the Olympic Movement, where representatives exchange views on major current issues and provide recommendations to the IOC for its decision-making.
This year's summit agenda included topics such as the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, and anti-doping efforts.
The meeting was chaired by IOC President Kirsty Coventry. Gao Zhidan, president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, and Gene Sykes, chair of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, were present as representatives of their respective National Olympic Committees.
Additionally, presidents of IFs, including Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, were invited to participate in the summit.
IOC recommends unrestricted access for Russian, Belarusian athletes to int'l youth competitions
China is opening its doors wider than ever as it welcomes more and more international travelers with its expanded visa-free policies, giving a growing number of a foreign visitors the chance to come and experience the country's culture, convenience, and modern vitality first-hand.
Last year, China recorded more than 30 million visa-free entries, up nearly 50 percent from the previous year thanks largely to the expansion of a unilateral visa-free scheme which now covers 50 countries, as well as a 240-hour visa-free transit policy which allows visitors to stop over en route to a third destination.
On one of Beijing's oldest commercial streets, visitors from around the world were seen taking a walk, grabbing a bite, and diving into Chinese culture.
"It's an absolutely perfect country, with absolutely lovely people and a very interesting history. I've bought a book on the legends and myths of China -- very, very interesting," said Aleksandr Shoshin, a Russian visitor.
"The culture in China is incredible. The history in China, [going back] 5,000 years, and the history is still living. The traditions that the people are pursuing are still alive," said Ali Sarem-Aslani, a tourist from Germany.
For many outside visitors, the level of public safety is another big factor encouraging them to travel to China. The country ranks among the world's safest countries with one of the lowest crime rates, and public satisfaction with security has hovered above 98 percent for many consecutive years.
This strong sense of security is leaving a lasting impression on international travelers.
"First of all, I think the top priority is that the lifestyle here is so much safer. So I think safety is top notch," said Asfand, a Pakistani tourist.
Alongside the country's colorful culture and traditions, tourists are also getting to experience how the its advanced development and modern vitality is transforming life and bringing extra convenience to their trips.
Authorities in the Chinese capital also recently launched a one-stop integrated service platform called "Go Beijing" to better facilitate the stay of overseas visitors, providing tips and services on dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, and public services.
"The culture in China is incredible. The history in China, [going back] 5,000 years, and the history is still living. The traditions that the people are pursuing are still alive," said Ali.
"I use Alipay. I go to restaurants. I don't need to talk with people. I just make my order, and everything is paid, so it's very convenient," said Ruben Tomaz, a Portuguese tourist.
China's visa-free policies spark surge in inbound tourism
