The International Judo Federation has become the first major global sports body to lift its ban on Russian athletes, permitting them to compete under their national flag starting this week, a decision that breaks with widespread international sporting sanctions.
The federation announced that restrictions, originally imposed following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, are now lifted. This marks an unprecedented move among major international sports organizations since the conflict began.
Nineteen Russian judokas, comprising 12 men and seven women, are registered to participate in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. The event, a key fixture on the international judo circuit, runs from Friday through Sunday.
Russia remains a dominant force in the sport.
Sergei Soloveitchik, President of the Russian Judo Federation, lauded the decision, describing it as “expected, fair, and courageous.”
The IJF stated on its official page that after the full reintegration of Belarusian judokas, Russia’s ally, it is appropriate to allow Russian athletes to participate under equal conditions.
The organization reiterated its commitment to treating all members equally, without discrimination. This stance, it added, aligns with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of sport.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, held at the Mubadala Arena, will also feature Portuguese Olympian judoka Catarina Costa in the -48 kg category.