Algemene Vergadering ICSD in Budapest

On 5-6-7 November 2026, the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) Workshops and Congress took place at Puskás Stadium in Budapest. Both Lieven Kind and Dominique Gretzer attended the workshop in our capacity as Board members of the Belgian Deaf sport Committee.

It all started first with the workshops in 2 days focusing on important updates and future developments in international Deaf sport, including:

New qualification criteria for World and European Championships leading up to the Deaflympics 2029;
Procedures for selecting host cities and countries for future international sporting events;
New ICSD sports guidelines;
Updates to anti-doping procedures, to be implemented in 2027.
A particular highlight was the excellent presentation on the work of the ICSD Athletes’ Commission, delivered by the Chair of that commission Katrin Neudolt.
She highlighted the importance of actively involving athletes in decision-making processes, representing their interests and giving them a voice in shaping the future of Deaf sport
Transition to the OMS Platform:
Particular attention was given to the presentation of the new OMS platform, delivered by Yiannis Yallouros. He developed the platform together with his team. It represents an important step towards the digitalisation and modernisation of ICSD information systems, with a focus on greater transparency.
Qualification Procedures for Major International Competitions:
Internatal Sports Director ICSD Mr. Jürgen Endress presented the qualification procedures and criteria for participation in major international sporting events. The presentation provided valuable insight into the procedures, requirements and criteria that will determine athletes’ participation in major international competitions.
ICSD Ethics Commission: both Mr Kang & Ms Williams presented the work of the ICSD Ethics Commission, its role and responsibilities, and its importance in promoting ethical conduct, integrity, accountability and transparency in international Deaf sport.

These meetings are essential for staying informed, exchanging experience and strengthening cooperation between the ICSD, continental organisations and national sports federations.

On the 3rd day the ICSD Congress started at the same venue but in another meeting room with a view on the beautiful Puskas Arena, the home of the Hungarian National Football Team. Under these impressive environment the Congress started with a valid presence of approx. 53 members in good standing.

Following decisions were taken at this Congress:

The electronic voting system was first tested and approved before it could be implemented on this Congress. This has smoothened the voting process and empowered everyone to focus on content and debates.
Oman will be a new member of the ICSD family.
The APSDC and CADS are officially recognized as
With the move of the official seat from Switzerland to Hungary a new auditor for a 4-year-term was appointed by the Congress: Ms Csvarina Robotka Szusanna from Hungary.
The financial report for 2024 and 2025 was explained in detail by our former CEO and current Finance Director, Jarno Stappers. It was not yet possible to proceed to a vote, as the Swiss auditors had not yet been able to complete their work.
A remuneration system for elected Board members was approved. This will be implemented retro actively from 1st January 2026.
It was decided that the ICSD Board must communicate the date & location of the next Congress 8 months before instead of 4 months before the event takes place.
There were two candidates for the remaining positions within the ICSD Board: Ms Asya Khaladzhan from Russia and Ms Diana Kyosen from Brazil.
The congress decided to appoint Ms Diana Kyosen as a new member of the ICSD Board.
The next congress will be in November 2027, an exact date & location will be communicated later.

Lieven Kind: “It was a constructive congress, with the workshops contributing to the smooth running of the ICSD. We now sincerely hope to continue along this path and that deaf sport can continue to grow towards a brighter future for all athletes!”

Dominique Gretzer: “For me, attending a conference at this level for the first time was a very educational experience. I am particularly pleased with the positive vibes I’ve gained from the many contacts I’ve made with people from other countries. The future is in good hands with the ICSD!”

The international deaf sports community is now looking forward in particular to the upcoming Winter Deaflympics: these will take place from 15 to 24 January 2027 in Austria, specifically in Innsbruck and Seefeld (see link below).