International Judo Federation Reinstates Russian Athletes with Full National Depiction
The International Judo federation (IJF) announced on Thursday the full reincorporation of Russian judokas, allowing them to compete internationally under their national flag, with the Russian anthem played at events. this marks the first instance of a major international sports federation fully restoring Russian symbols since the onset of the conflict in ukraine in 2022. The policy will take effect at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2025, beginning this Friday.
The Russian Judo Federation hailed the decision as a important victory. “We thank the IJF for this long-awaited, fair and courageous decision,” stated its president, Sergei Soloveitchik.
The move follows a period of restricted participation for Russian and Belarusian athletes. In 2023, the IJF, acting on a proposal from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), permitted Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag. this led to a boycott of the World Championships in Doha by the Ukrainian delegation. Belarusians were later granted full reinstatement at the World Championships in Budapest in June of this year.
According to the IJF, the decision to extend the same privileges to Russian athletes was influenced by the restoration of full national representation for Belarusian athletes. “Following recent developments, including the restoration of full national representation of Belarusian athletes, the IJF considers it appropriate to allow Russian athletes to participate under the same conditions,” the Federation explained.
The IJF emphasized that the return of Russian athletes should “enrich the competition at all levels, respecting the IJF principles of equity, inclusion and respect.” Notably, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has long held the position of honorary president of the International Judo Federation.
No Russian judoka participated in the Paris Games under a neutral flag,as the Russian federation boycotted the events,deeming the conditions imposed as “humiliating.” The IJF reiterated its belief that “Russia has always been a leading nation in the world of judo and its full return should enrich the competition at all levels, respecting the IJF principles of equity, inclusion and respect.”
This decision echoes a similar move by the International Boxing Association (IBA) in October 2022,which authorized russian and Belarusian athletes to compete with their national emblems. However, the IBA was later barred from participating in the 2023 Olympic Games by the IOC, primarily due to governance concerns.
Why: The International Judo Federation (IJF) reinstated Russian judokas to full participation,allowing them to compete under their national flag and with their anthem played. This decision was primarily influenced by the earlier reinstatement of Belarusian athletes to full national representation.
Who: The key players are the International Judo Federation (IJF), the Russian Judo Federation (led by Sergei Soloveitchik), Russian judokas, and indirectly, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Ukrainian athletes who previously boycotted events. Vladimir Putin, as honorary president of the IJF, also holds a notable position.
What: The IJF’s decision reverses previous restrictions imposed on Russian athletes following the 2022 conflict in Ukraine. Previously, they were allowed to compete only under a neutral flag. Now, they can fully represent Russia.
How did it end?: The decision is effective
