Attila Adamfi, general secretary of the Federation of International Bandy -FIB-, held a first official meeting in Batumi, Georgia, with Evgeniy Ivanushkin, first vice-president of the Russian Bandy Federation -RBF-. The meeting marked a first step towards the resumption of institutional dialogue and cooperation between the two organisations, at a time when the framework for youth participation in international sport is being reviewed.

According to FIB, the meeting took place in a positive, effective and constructive atmosphere, and represented the first personal contact between the parties. Both organisations underlined the importance of open communication and mutual understanding in addressing the current challenges facing bandy, as well as the development opportunities opening up for the discipline on the international stage.

Bandy opens a path for Russian youth participation

The meeting followed the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee -IOC- to allow youth teams to participate without specific restrictions based on nationality. Within that framework, FIB and RBF agreed to begin a constructive dialogue focused on facilitating the possible participation of Russian youth teams in international bandy competitions.

The discussions led to a shared understanding of the way forward, including the main timelines for implementation. The focus is on youth participation, within a line of work that several international federations have begun to study or adapt following the IOC’s position on young athletes’ access to competition.

The Olympic context shapes the new federative landscape

The IOC recommendation has opened a new area of analysis for international federations, especially in youth categories. In that context, bandy is approaching the process from an institutional perspective, with the aim of structuring communication between FIB and RBF and defining the conditions needed to move forward on youth participation.

Other international federations have already begun adapting their criteria to this scenario. World Aquatics updated its guidelines for youth and junior categories, while the International Handball Federation -IHF- authorised the participation of Russian and Belarusian youth teams in self-organised friendly matches and tournaments. Beyond this specific issue, FIB and RBF also explored broader opportunities for cooperation aimed at strengthening and developing bandy globally.

FIB and RBF will maintain regular communication

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to maintain regular communication and work collaboratively towards the objectives identified during the discussions. FIB and RBF will now continue the dialogue opened in Batumi, with youth participation and the global development of bandy as the main areas of work.