Overview
- Announced on November 27, the decision makes judo the first international federation since 2022 to fully readmit Russian athletes with national symbols.
- The policy takes immediate effect at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam from November 28 to 30 in the United Arab Emirates.
- IJF cited recent full readmission of Belarusian athletes and argued that Russia’s return will support the sport’s development.
- Other federations still restrict Russian participation to neutral status, with fencing allowing entries only without flags, anthems or national colors.
- Ukraine’s judo federation condemned the move as contrary to IOC guidance and said it will seek to block it, while Russia’s judo leadership publicly welcomed the decision.