Where Can Russian Athletes Compete After the IOC’s Provisional Ban Lift?
The Moscow Times has compiled a list detailing where and how Russian athletes can currently compete on the international stage.
Since July 2025, Russia has progressively regained its right to participate in international sports events following the International Olympic Committee's provisional ban. The International Paralympic Committee first voted against maintaining its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes in September 2025, allowing them to compete at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Paralympic Games.
The International Judo Federation restored full participation rights to senior Russian athletes in November 2025, becoming the first international federation to do so.
World Taekwondo approved the full return of junior and senior Russian and Belarusian athletes in January 2026, followed by eight additional Olympic sports federations lifting their bans by July 2026. This includes Archery, Aquatics, Boxing, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Gymnastics, Handball, and Modern Pentathlon. Russian athletes can now compete under their national flag, national anthem, and team uniforms in these events, adhering to the IOC's recommendations and maintaining the values of neutrality, equality, and sportsmanship.
Written by urgent.news from The Moscow Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
