The International Judo Federation has triggered a fierce diplomatic backlash after announcing Russian athletes will return to competition under their national flag, anthem, and colors, becoming the first Olympic sports body to fully restore Russia’s representation since restrictions began nearly three years ago.
The decision, which takes immediate effect at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam tournament starting November 28, has sparked outrage from Ukrainian officials and athletes who view the move as a betrayal of international solidarity during ongoing hostilities.
Nineteen Russian judokas are expected to compete in various weight categories at the Mubadala Arena through November 30, with their country’s flag and insignia fully displayed, a stark reversal from the neutral athlete status imposed in early 2022.
In defending its controversial decision, the IJF emphasized Russia’s prominence in the sport and framed the reinstatement as consistent with judo’s philosophical foundations.
“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 federation stated.
The organization also positioned itself as having weathered political pressures while maintaining unity. According to the official statement, the IJF
“has 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.”
The federation pointed to a precedent in its earlier decision to reinstate Belarusian athletes to full national representation, scheduled to take effect June 1, 2025.
“Following recent developments, including the reinstatement of full national representation for Belarusian athletes, the IJF considers it is now appropriate to allow the participation of Russian athletes under equal conditions,”
the statement explained.
EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef condemned the decision saying:
“The International Judo Federation’s decision to reinstate the Russian flag and anthem in competition is regrettable and deeply concerning,” Micallef said, adding he “strongly” condemns it.
The IJF’s decision “reflects a broader and troubling trend,” Micallef said, and risks “normalising the actions of states engaged in aggression.”
The Judo Federation of Ukraine considers this decision to be at odds with the principles of peace, justice, and accountability, and also incompatible with the fundamental values of world sport.
Together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, and partners, they plan to use all legal mechanisms to prevent the implementation of this decision and protect the interests of Ukrainian athletes.
The path to full reinstatement has been gradual. Following complete bans in 2022, the IJF allowed Russian and Belarusian competitors to participate as neutral individual athletes under the IJF flag beginning in April 2023. This latest Executive Committee vote represents the final removal of all competition restrictions.
The federation has attempted to frame the decision through the lens of judo’s traditional values, stating that
“the sport of judo always promotes friendship, respect, solidarity, and peace.”
However, critics argue this rhetoric rings hollow given current geopolitical realities.
The IJF immediately updated its official website to reflect Russia’s restored status, with the national flag once again displayed alongside other member nations. The move sets the federation apart from most other international sports organizations, which have maintained various levels of restrictions on Russian participation.
Ayub Bliev became the first Russian judoka in over two years to win a title under his national flag, claiming gold in the under-60kg final at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. Bliev’s victory was marked by the raising of the Russian flag and anthem. While some sports federations continue to ban Russians, judo and certain other bodies, like the International Boxing Association, have allowed full national representation to return.
