- Category
- World
International Gymnastics Federation Allows Russia and Belarus to Compete Under National Flags
- Authors
![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
The International Gymnastics Federation has lifted all restrictions previously imposed on athletes from Russia and Belarus, according to a decision taken by the organization’s executive committee and published on its official website.
According to Suspilne Sport on May 18, the ruling means that Russian and Belarusian gymnasts will now be allowed to compete under their national flags, with national symbols, anthem, and other identifying elements at all FIG-sanctioned international competitions.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
The decision follows a recommendation issued earlier in May by the International Olympic Committee, which advised lifting restrictions on Belarusian athletes. No similar recommendation was made regarding Russia.
Sanctions imposed by FIG had been in place against Russian and Belarusian athletes since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since early 2024, however, athletes from both countries were permitted to return to competition in a “neutral” status and take part in qualification events for the 2024 Summer Olympics, as reported by Suspilne Sport.
The easing of restrictions in gymnastics comes amid a broader shift across international sporting bodies toward the full reinstatement of Russian and Belarusian athletes in global competition.
In a parallel development, United World Wrestling has fully restored the competitive rights of athletes from Russia and Belarus, allowing them to participate without restrictions across all age categories.
Under the updated regulations, wrestlers from both countries are now permitted to compete under their national flags at all levels, including senior international tournaments.
-c2956ee06fc5df14ee54b3bafba6d4bd.jpg)
Athletes and team personnel will also be allowed to wear uniforms featuring the abbreviations “RUS” and “BLR,” while national anthems will be played during medal ceremonies in the event of individual victories or team titles.
Additionally, Poland has announced that it will bar athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing at the 2027 European Diving Championships, the Polish Swimming Federation said.
The Polish federation stressed that as long as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, athletes representing Russia and Belarus should not be allowed to take part in international sporting events.
Discuss this article:
