Since shortly after the start of Moscow's full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022, Russian judokas had only been allowed to compete internationally under a neutral banner, rather than their national flag.

On Thursday, though, the executive committee of the International Judo Federation (IJF) voted to end the measure, meaning that effective immediately, Russian athletes will be allowed to compete under their flag at international events.

'The last bridge'

"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," read a statement posted on the IJF website.

"The decision to reinstate full national representation reflects the IJF's confidence in its ethical safeguards, as well as in the strength and integrity of the sport."

The statement added that since the IJF had lifted similar sanctions on Belarus in May, it was "appropriate to allow Russian athletes to participate under equal conditions."

"Russia has historically been a leading nation in world judo. Its full return should enrich the competition at all levels, while upholding the IJF principles of fairness, inclusivity, and respect."

The move means that Russian judokas will be eligible to compete under their national flag at the Grand Slam 2025 in Abu Dhabi, which begins on Friday (November 28).

As expected, the decision was welcomed in Russia.

"Judo is one of the most popular sports in Russia; around half a million citizens practice it regularly," Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev wrote in a statement posted on Telegram.

Thursday's decision will also please Russian President Vladimir Putin, who holds a black belt in judo. The IJF suspended him as its honorary president in February 2022.

'Blatant violation of IOC recommendations'

The Ukrainian Judo Federation, on the other hand, described the move as "a blatant violation of the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee."

It also objected to the IJF's reference to sport building bridges.

"Bridges are built where there is peace," it said. "Russia has only brought war to the world."

Paralympics reinstatement

The IJF's move followed a decision by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in September to restore Russia's and Belarus' full membership rights after member organizations voted to lift their partial suspensions.

The two countries had been banned from Paralympic competitions after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but the IPC voted the following year to allow them to compete as neutrals at last year's Paris Paralympic Games.

Belarus has been a staging ground for Russian troops and weapons during the war.

Edited by: Kalika Mehta