Judo lifts ban on Russians competing under own flag

Starting with this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, Russian athletes will be permitted to compete under their national flag, according to the International Judo Federation.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in September 2022, the IJF extended the prohibition on Russian and Belarusian judokas until January 2023.

After the IJF permitted athletes from Belarus and Russia to compete as neutrals, Ukraine canceled the 2023 World Judo Championships.

In June, Belarusian athletes were permitted to compete under their own flag, and the IJF has now approved of Russia.

Russia has historically been a world leader in judo, and its full return is anticipated to enhance competition at all levels while upholding the IJF’s principles of fairness, inclusivity, and respect, the IJF said.

In extremely challenging circumstances and environments, “sport is the last bridge that unites people and nations.”

Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete in the Winter Olympics, which will begin on February 6 under a neutral flag, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Russian and Belarusian skiers and snowboarders will not be able to compete at the Games because the International Ski and Snowboard Federations voted against that decision last month.