The IJF said in a statement on Thursday that, "following recent developments, including the reinstatement of full national representation for Belarusian athletes," the body considers "it is now appropriate to allow the participation of Russian athletes under equal conditions."
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, aided by Belarus, the IJF banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from its main events.
They were allowed to compete as "neutral" athletes provided they did not represent Russian and Belarusian military and police clubs, and did not declare support for the war in Ukraine, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
On Thursday, the IJF said it had "navigated a period of significant geopolitical pressure with measured responsibility, ensuring the continued unity of the judo family and the safety and fairness of competition for all athletes of all nations."
IJF officials said that "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 world judo body declared its commitment to "treating all its members equally, without discrimination according to the Olympic Charter, and the principles of sport which affirm that sport must be practiced and represented without discrimination of any kind."
The IJF added: "Sport is the last bridge that unites people and nations in very difficult conflict situations and environments. Athletes have no responsibility for the decisions of governments or other national institutions, and it is our duty to protect the sport and our athletes. Sport must remain neutral, independent, and free from political influence."
Russian judokas will be allowed to compete under their national flag beginning with the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, the PAP news agency reported.
(pm/gs)
Source PAP, JIF