The International Judo Federation (IJF) has announced that Russian athletes have been allowed to compete again under their national flag.

Source: IJF official website

Quote: "The International Judo Federation (IJF) has navigated a period of significant geopolitical pressure with measured responsibility, ensuring the continued unity of the judo family and the safety and fairness of competition for all athletes of all nations.

Following recent developments, including the reinstatement of full national representation for Belarusian athletes, the IJF considers it is now appropriate to allow the participation of Russian athletes under equal conditions. Historically, Russia has been a leading nation in world judo, and their full return is expected to enrich competition at all levels."

More details: In March 2022, the IJF suspended Belarusian and Russian athletes after Moscow, assisted by Minsk, launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In June that year, judokas from these countries were allowed to compete under a "neutral" flag.

Athletes from both countries will now be able to compete under their national symbols at the next major event, the World Championships, which are to be held from 13 to 20 June this year.

Background:

• Earlier, the Ukrainian Judo Federation condemned the IJF's decision to reinstate the Belarusian flag.
• It was reported that Andrii Sirobaba, a Ukrainian judoka and candidate master of sport, had been killed in action.

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