NOC of Belarus temporarily recognized by IOC 30 years ago

On 9 March 1992, the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Belarus received temporary recognition from the International Olympic Committee.

The NOC of Belarus was founded on 22 March 1991. In a short period of time Belarus had done a lot of work to prepare all the necessary documents to join the world Olympic family.

After the collapse of the USSR, the former Soviet republics declared independence. The International Olympic Committee had to make historic decisions on its massive expansion.

In 1992, the National Olympic Committees of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan received temporary recognition.

President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Juan Antonio Samaranch paid an official visit to Minsk on 6 April 1992. He met with the chairman of the Supreme Council and the prime minister of Belarus, members of the NOC Executive Board and gave a press conference. (pictured)

The museum contains a unique exhibit about that event - an Olympic pennant with autographs of distinguished guests. (pictured)

In April of the same year, the IOC held a meeting in Lausanne to discuss the details of the full acceptance of these countries into the Olympic movement.

After the establishment and recognition of the National Olympic Committee, Belarusian athletes have performed at 15 Olympic Games, including eight Winter Games and seven Summer Games. A total of 136 Belarusian athletes became Olympic champions and medalists. Belarus won 105 Olympic medals - 21 gold, 37 silver and 47 bronze medals – to become one of the most prominent sports nations.

Since the temporary recognition of the NOC 30 years ago, the sports infrastructure in Belarus has changed dramatically.

At present the country has more than 23,000 physical culture and sports facilities for professional athletes and sports enthusiasts.

They include many world-class facilities that allowed Belarus to host major national and international competitions.

The National Olympic Committee and the country’s sports community have gone a long way during these 30 years. Together we will continue to promote elite sport and physical culture in our country.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus

Archive photos