The International Judo Federation (IJF) has decided to “reinstate full national representation” of Russian athletes at its competitions starting this weekend, it said on Thursday, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The IJF executive committee voted to allow Russian athletes to compete under their national flag, with their anthem and symbols, beginning with the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam from Nov. 28–30.

“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.” the federation said.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in Feb. 2022, many athletes were banned from entering competitions.

The Russian Olympic Committee has been suspended since 2023 by the International Olympic Comm

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