Overview
- Russian judokas will compete under their flag with anthem and insignia starting at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam from Nov. 28–30, 2025.
- The IJF said athletes should not be penalized for government actions and cited its earlier return of full Belarusian representation.
- The International Olympic Committee still allows only individual neutral Russian athletes at Olympic events and maintains the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.
- Russian officials, including the sports minister and the national judo federation, praised the move as a landmark for a sport closely associated with Vladimir Putin.
- Other federations have relaxed restrictions before, with the International Boxing Association permitting Russian boxers to use national symbols at its competitions.