The International Judo Federation (IJF) has cleared Russian athletes to compete under their national flag starting at this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. This marks a significant shift after Russian and Belarusian judokas were banned from international competitions in September 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Previously, the IJF had allowed Russian athletes to compete as neutrals, which led to Ukraine boycotting the 2023 World Judo Championships. Belarusian athletes were permitted to compete under their own flag in June 2025, and the IJF has now extended the same clearance to Russia.

The IJF highlighted the historical strength of Russia in judo, stating: “Historically, Russia has been a leading nation in world judo, and their full return is expected to enrich competition at all levels while upholding the IJF's principles of fairness, inclusivity, and respect. Sport is the last bridge that unites people and nations in very difficult conflict situations and environments.”

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam will run from Friday to Sunday, providing Russian judokas their first opportunity in years to compete under their flag at a major IJF event.

This decision follows the International Paralympic Committee’s move in September to partially lift suspensions on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete under their own flags at the 2026 Winter Paralympics. However, Russian and Belarusian para-athletes will not attend Milan-Cortina 2026 due to bans by individual sport governing bodies.

While the IOC allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag at the 2026 Winter Olympics, some federations, such as the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, maintained their bans, preventing participation in Olympic skiing and snowboarding events.

Notably, Russia did not send athletes to the 2024 Paris Olympics, citing what it called “humiliating conditions” after only four of 17 Russian judokas were cleared to compete. Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin was suspended as the IJF’s honorary president in February 2022.

This marks a major step in reintegrating Russian judokas into international competition under their national identity.