Olympic News | Articles
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    • Russian Luge Federation Criticizes Latvia's Athlete Ban

      IOC
      28 Dec 2025, 22:47 from InsideTheGames

      The Russian Luge Federation president, Natalia Gart, has condemned Latvia's decision to deny entry to 14 Russian athletes and accompanying personnel for the upcoming FIL World Cup stage in Sigulda. Gart described the move as 'politically motivated' and a 'dangerous precedent' that undermines trust in international sports and Olympic values, particularly as it impacts athletes' qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze confirmed the entry bans on December 24th.

    • Hexagon World Series Launched, Boosting Padel's Olympic Aspirations

      IOC
      27 Dec 2025, 17:19 from InsideTheGames

      A new team padel circuit, the Hexagon World Series, has been officially launched through a collaboration between the Hexagon Cup, 54 Group, and the International Padel Federation (FIP). This series, fully integrated into the FIP calendar, aims to expand padel's global reach and strengthen its bid for inclusion in the Olympic Games. The initiative, backed by significant investment from 54 Group, will feature mixed-gender teams and equal prize money, complementing existing tours like Premier Padel. Details regarding the format, teams, and schedule will be released in 2026.

    • IOC Criticized for Samaranch's Missteps Regarding Iranian Women Athletes

      IOC
      27 Dec 2025, 05:39 from SportsIn
      Organization mentioned: IOC

      A report details how Juan Antonio Samaranch, during his tenure at the International Olympic Committee (IOC, 458), miscalculated the political role of Islam and appeased Iranian authorities, inadvertently legitimizing restrictions on Iranian women athletes. Initiatives like the Islamic Women’s Games, supported by Samaranch and Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, reinforced strict Islamic regulations rather than promoting women's freedom in sport. The report highlights decades of discrimination against Iranian women in sports following the 1979 Revolution and criticizes the IOC's failure to adequately address the issue.

    • Livigno Snow Production Issue Resolved Ahead of Milano Cortina 2026

      IOC
      26 Dec 2025, 22:11 from InsideTheGames
      Person mentioned: Johan Eliasch
      Organization mentioned: FIS

      Following a technical fault that delayed artificial snow production at the Livigno venue for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, organizers have confirmed the issue is resolved and snowmaking is back on track. A broken pipe was repaired within five days, and the system is now producing 28,000 cubic meters of snow per day. Concerns raised by International Ski Federation (ISF) President Johan Eliasch regarding preparation delays have been addressed, with local authorities expressing confidence in meeting the required snow levels and delivering a successful event. The incident highlights logistical challenges and provides valuable lessons for future Winter Olympic Games.

    • IOC Renews Media Partnership with America Movil for Latin America

      IOC
      26 Dec 2025, 21:55 from InsideTheGames

      The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has renewed its broadcast rights agreement with America Movil, extending coverage of the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games from 2026 to 2032 across much of Latin America. This partnership, which began in 2014, will provide exclusive pay-TV and digital rights for several upcoming Games, including Milano Cortina 2026, Los Angeles 2028, French Alps 2030, and Brisbane 2032. The deal aims to increase visibility for winter sports and the Youth Olympic Games in a region with growing digital consumption and supports the IOC's sustainable distribution model.

    • Tennis Faces Wave of Suspensions for Corruption and Doping

      IOC
      26 Dec 2025, 17:07 from InsideTheGames

      The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has announced numerous suspensions of tennis players in December 2025, stemming from corruption and doping violations. Notable cases include Maikel Villalona (4.5-year suspension), Pang Renlong (12-year suspension), Quentin Folliot (20-year suspension), and provisional suspensions for Juan Sebastian Dominguez Collado and Jessica Eudovic due to clostebol presence. These suspensions highlight ongoing efforts to combat match-fixing and doping within the sport.

    • Argentina and Armenia Join World Curling Federation

      IOC
      25 Dec 2025, 21:17 from InsideTheGames

      The World Curling Federation has welcomed Argentina as a full member and Armenia as an Associate Member specializing in wheelchair curling. Argentina's inclusion, bringing the total to 77 member nations, signifies a focus on regional growth and development, particularly in South America. Armenia's entry highlights the federation's commitment to widening access and accommodating diverse development pathways. Both additions come ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, where curling will be a prominent sport.

    • WADA Publishes 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and International Standards

      IOC
      25 Dec 2025, 19:10 from InsideTheGames

      The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has officially published the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code and associated International Standards, approved at the World Conference on Doping in Sport in Busan. The new code, taking effect on January 1, 2027, incorporates extensive athlete consultation and includes standards related to education, data protection, and therapeutic use exemptions. WADA will provide implementation support programs and regional symposiums to assist signatories in preparing for the changes. A comprehensive implementation guide has also been released, highlighting key differences from the 2021 code and standards.

    • Baltic Nations Oppose IOC's Reinstatement Push for Russian, Belarusian Athletes

      IOC
      24 Dec 2025, 00:35 from InsideTheGames
      Organization mentioned: IOC

      Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have jointly written to IOC President Kirsty Coventry, expressing opposition to the recent recommendation allowing Russian and Belarusian youth teams and athletes to compete under national symbols. The Baltic nations argue this could facilitate state propaganda and urge the IOC to maintain existing restrictions until the war in Ukraine ends and accountability is ensured. This comes as the IOC continues to explore pathways for reinstatement, citing athletes' rights to compete free from political interference, while also addressing concerns about Indonesia's visa denial to Israeli athletes.

    • WADA Conducts Anti-Doping Education at African Youth Games

      IOC
      23 Dec 2025, 16:35 from InsideTheGames

      The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recently conducted extensive educational activities at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola. The initiative focused on engaging adolescent athletes and regional bodies through dialogue, prevention programs, and promoting integrity values in sport. WADA's Athlete Engagement team interacted directly with thousands of young athletes, fostering trust and reinforcing the importance of fair play. The program involved in-person activities, exchange spaces, and awareness campaigns, supported by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and SuperSport. Former Olympic and Paralympic athletes also participated, providing credibility and facilitating open communication. Educational materials were left with the Angolan Olympic Committee to ensure continued awareness efforts.

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Updated: 17:30 on 31 December 2025