(MENAFN) The International Judo Federation (IJF) has restored the privilege for Russian athletes to participate in global tournaments under their own national flag, becoming the first Olympic sports federation to implement such a measure.

Following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus were excluded from major sporting events, as almost all Olympic-sport federations enforced bans or strict limitations across numerous disciplines.

These measures prevented hundreds of competitors from taking part in international contests. Over time, participation was partially reinstated, allowing certain athletes to compete individually as neutrals.

On Thursday, the IJF announced that its executive committee had approved the return of Russian athletes to international competition “with anthem and insignia,” beginning with the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.

The federation emphasized that this move “reaffirms the federation’s role as a truly global organization” and “strengthens its commitment to fair, transparent and values-based governance.”

“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,” the organization stated.

The federation also highlighted that “sport must remain neutral, independent and free from political influence,” noting that judo “always promotes friendship, respect, solidarity and peace.”

With this decision, the IJF has become the first Olympic sport federation to allow Russian athletes to compete internationally under their national flag and anthem.

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