Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, 12, won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Singapore, sparking debate about the appropriateness of young athletes competing at such high levels. While World Aquatics allows younger swimmers who meet qualifying standards, concerns have been raised about the pressure and potential risks to young athletes. Other federations like the International Skating Union, World Athletics, the International Gymnastics Federation, the International Federation of Sport Climbing, World Taekwondo and the International Hockey Federation have stricter age limits to protect young athletes.

FIDE has approved the participation of a Russian women's chess team in the 2025 Women's World Team Championship in Linares, Spain, under a neutral flag, pending IOC approval. This decision aligns with FIDE's policy since February 2022, allowing Russian and Belarusian players to compete as neutrals. The move follows a January 2025 resolution permitting neutral teams of vulnerable groups in team competitions and adheres to IOC guidelines, barring national symbols. While the Russian Chess Federation's membership was briefly suspended in June 2024, it was later overturned. The team's return to competition is notable, despite some criticism and ongoing efforts to fully reinstate Russian athletes.

43 Russian gymnasts approved by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to compete under neutral status have collectively declined the invitation in solidarity with teammates whose applications were rejected. The decision, supported by the Russian Gymnastics Federation, means none of the athletes will participate in upcoming FIG events. This follows the FIG's initial ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, later allowing them to return as individual neutral athletes starting in 2024. FIG President Morinari Watanabe visited both Ukraine and Russia in March in an attempt to ease tensions.

International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe faced criticism after visiting Moscow and embracing Nikita Nagornyy, a Russian gymnast sanctioned for pro-war activities and involvement in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. The visit occurred as FIG considers reinstating Russian and Belarusian gymnasts as neutral athletes, including Angelina Melnikova, who trains at a military-affiliated club. Critics question FIG's neutrality and transparency, highlighting concerns over compliance with neutrality rules, Nagornyy's pro-Kremlin propaganda and the lack of publicly explained criteria for athlete acceptance.

The Gymnastics for All Colloquium, scheduled for April 1-4 in Baku, Azerbaijan, has received patronage from UNESCO for the first time. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) secured this endorsement by demonstrating the colloquium’s commitment to education and global communication through grassroots gymnastics. The colloquium will evaluate progress and delve into the societal impact of Gymnastics for All, with FIG's Gymnastics for All Committee President Rogerio Valerio emphasizing its role in empowering national federations and promoting social cohesion.