Belarus’ NOC medical commission reviews IOC gender testing rules

On 16 July, the medical and anti-doping commission of the NOC of Belarus reviewed the implementation of the new IOC gender testing requirements for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

“The international federations for boxing, athletics, aquatics, rugby and cycling have already made this procedure a mandatory requirement for international competitions. Belarusian athletes are expected to begin testing in August to be eligible for tournaments in September 2026. However, the International Olympic Committee has not yet finalized the testing protocol. During our meeting, we outlined potential implementation mechanisms, funding sources, testing methodologies, and legal challenges that must be addressed moving forward,” Irina Malevanaya, head of the National Research and Treatment Center for Sports and chairwoman of the NOC medical and anti-doping commission, noted.

The commission discussed the progress of the In Search of Stars: Talent in Every Child project and the preparations for the annual seminar Train Smart: Course in Sports Literacy for national team athletes, coaches, and doctors. Additionally, the participants reviewed the outcomes of the Vytoki sports and cultural festival.

The commission reviewed the outcomes of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Medical and Anti-Doping Commission meeting held in Dubrovnik, Croatia, alongside the recent IOC Medical and Anti-Doping Commission working meeting. Members also discussed the commission’s work plans for 2027.