Overview
- Russian judokas are cleared to compete with flag, anthem and national insignia starting at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2025, which opens Friday.
- The IJF says athletes should not be held responsible for government decisions and describes sport as a bridge in times of conflict.
- Russia’s judo federation welcomed what it called a long-awaited decision, with president Sergueï Soloveïtchik thanking the IJF.
- The shift follows a 2023 period of neutral participation that prompted a Ukrainian boycott at the Doha World Championships, and Russian athletes later skipped the Paris Games under neutral conditions.
- Several Russian judokas currently top world rankings, including Timur Arbuzov (-81 kg), Matvey Kanikovskiy (-100 kg) and Inal Tasoev (+100 kg), shaping the competitive field at upcoming events.