The neutral status of Russian judokas has been lifted. Starting Friday, their own symbols will once again be visible in judo.
Russian judokas will once again be allowed to compete under their national flag in international competitions and will also hear their national anthem. This was announced by the International Judo Federation (IJF) on Thursday. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 had resulted in the imposition of neutral status. This has now been lifted, even though Russia’s war of aggression continues unabated. Belarus had already been reintegrated into judo. The IJF Executive Committee has decided that Russian athletes will “compete again under their national flag with anthem and insignia” starting at the 2025 Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi, which begins on Friday, according to a press release. The Russian federation welcomed “this historic decision” and “thanked the IJF for this long-awaited, fair, and courageous decision,” said its president, Sergei Soloveychik.
IPC caused a stir
Most recently, a decision by the General Assembly of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) caused a stir when it lifted the suspension of Russia and Belarus.
Athletes from both countries would thus have been allowed to compete under their own flags at the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, but it was no longer possible to qualify through the relevant sports federations.