Russia's hockey, curling teams to compete at 2027 Winter Universiade
Russian student teams in hockey and curling have been granted participation in the 2027 Winter Universiade in Changchun, marking their return to a major international event after a six-year absence since 2021. The decision follows a policy change by FISU allowing neutral status for Russian athletes even in sports where national federations maintain bans.
Consensus
- Russian student teams in hockey and curling received permission to participate in the 2027 Winter Universiad.
- The event will be held in Changchun, China, from January 15 to 25, 2027.
- This marks the first major international appearance for Russian junior hockey players since 2021.
- The decision was made by the International University Sports Federation (FISU).
- FISU introduced a neutral status mechanism for Russian athletes, even in sports where national federations impose bans.
- The Russian Minister of Sport and head of the Russian Olympic Committee, Mikhail Degtyarev, announced the news on August 22, 2025.
- Russia previously participated in the 2025 Summer Universiade in Germany, winning 16 medals including 6 golds.
Points of divergence
- The Russian student hockey team last played at the Universiade in 2019, winning gold in Krasnoyarsk by defeating Slovakia 2:1. — fontanka
- FISU's decision in May allowed full return of Russian teams if their national federations lifted bans; otherwise, neutral status applies. — fontanka
- FISU's Executive Committee approved the participation of Russian athletes on May 26, 2025, under a neutral status mechanism. — vm
- On August 21, 2025, the World Triathlon Executive Committee allowed Russian athletes to compete with national symbols. — vm
- The Presidium of the World Dance Sport Federation (WSDF) lifted all restrictions on Russian athletes. — vesti
Coverage (7 sources)
- Russian hockey and curling players allowed to participate in 2027 Winter Universiade — РИАМО
- Russian athletes received the right to participate in ice hockey and curling competitions at the 202... World Winter Universiade — ТАСС (Telegram)
- Russia returns to international hockey — Фонтанка
- Russian hockey players and curlers will compete at the Universiade in 2027 — Коммерсантъ
- Russians admitted to competitions in hockey and curling at the Universiade — Вечерняя Москва
- Degtyarev reported on Russia's admission to the 2027 Universiade in hockey and curling — Вести
- Russian student teams allowed to participate in ice hockey and curling competitions at the 2027 Universiade in Chanch... — РИА Новости (Telegram)
Key entities
- Russia
- Mikhail Degtyarev
- Changchun
- OKR
- Moscow
- Telegram channel
- TASS
- RIA Novosti
- Russia
- Ministry of Sport
- Olympic Committee
- Alexey Danichev
- Chanch
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