Overview
- On November 27, the IJF Executive Committee voted to reinstate full national representation for Russian judoka starting with the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2025.
- The decision permits Russian athletes to compete under their flag with anthem and symbols after the federation said it had overcome geopolitical pressure.
- The IJF cited neutrality, athlete protection and parity with the earlier restoration of Belarusian representation as the basis for its move.
- Ukraine’s Judo Federation issued a resolute protest and said it will work with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee and partners to prevent implementation and protect athletes.
- In a joint statement, Ukraine’s foreign and sports ministers condemned the ruling as legitimizing the aggressor and urged governments and sports bodies to oppose it, recalling that Russia and Belarus were suspended by the IJF in March 2022.