The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has voted to lift restrictions on Russian chess players, allowing them to compete under their national flag and anthem. While a majority of delegates supported the move, FIDE will consult with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) before finalizing the implementation. Russia has welcomed the decision as a step towards the 'depoliticization of sport,' but cautions against any deviation from the agreed-upon terms. The decision follows a complex history of sanctions and appeals, and comes after the IOC recently recommended allowing young Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national symbols. The final decision hinges on the IOC's stance.

Following a thaw in relations between Russia and the IOC, Russian luge athletes are expected to compete in Lake Placid next week, sparking strong condemnation from Ukrainian athletes who argue it violates principles of neutrality amidst the ongoing war. This move, facilitated by the International Luge Federation and supported by Russian officials, comes as other federations consider allowing Russian athletes in bobsleigh and skeleton. The situation highlights a growing divide, with Ukrainian athletes expressing concerns about safety and fair play, while Russia aims for a gradual return to international competition. The IOC's stance of allowing 'Individual Neutral Athletes' has created a complex landscape, with federations making divergent decisions and Ukrainian officials raising concerns about the neutrality of some Russian athletes, including figure skaters. The situation is further complicated by the recent change of nationality by Ukrainian athlete Sofiia Lyskun.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee unveiled the official victory podiums for the Winter Olympics, emphasizing simplicity, modularity, uniqueness, and dynamism. The podiums, designed in collaboration with Cavaletti + Pagliariccio, are crafted from wood and metal, adaptable for various disciplines, and fully accessible for Paralympic athletes. In collaboration with P&G and Esselunga, the podiums will be donated to amateur sports clubs across Italy post-Games to promote inclusion. The Games are set to open on February 6, 2026, and will feature approximately 2,900 athletes and a record 47% women participation.

India will host the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5, featuring over 2,200 participants from 104 countries. With a budget between 44 and 55 million euros, the event is a key step in India's ambition to bid for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has been modernized, including a new Mondotrack EI surface certified by the International Paralympic Committee -IPC- and World Athletics.

Rory A. Cooper will deliver a keynote at VISTA 2025 in Cairo, Egypt, from December 10-13, focusing on technological advancements transforming Paralympic sports. Cooper, director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories and a Paralympic medalist, will discuss innovations in adaptive sports equipment, AI-driven training, and osseointegration. The conference, organized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), also features Professor Wayne Derman, and aims to promote inclusion, health, and performance in para-sport as the Paralympic Movement approaches Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.