International Judo Federation allows Russian athletes to take part in its competitions

The Executive Committee of the International Judo Federation (IJF) has decided to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in IJF events as neutral athletes, the IJF said in a press release, Report informs via TASS.

"The IJF Executive Committee has decided to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in IJF events as individual neutral athletes," the press release said.

It is said that the IJF Executive Committee would engage an independent, reputable company "to perform background checks on all the individuals proposed for participation, including social media content," which may possibly advocate for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"Only those athletes and support personnel who are cleared during this verification process will be eligible and considered for participation in events by the IJF Executive Committee," the press release says.

The qualification for the 2024 Olympics in Paris began in June 2022.

"With the World Championships - Doha 2023 being held from 7th to 14th May, with significant points to be awarded, this decision allows the possibility for fair participation and equal chances to all judo athletes who are pursuing their Olympic dreams," the federation said.

"The International Judo Federation is an inclusive organization founded on values, dedicated to promoting and protecting judo as a peaceful means of respecting human rights and supporting international unity, friendship and peace. We stand firmly against all forms of aggression, discrimination, war or loss of life. We strongly believe that everyone has the right to participate in sport regardless of ethnicity, religion or gender," it said.

"We look forward to celebrating the values of judo together at the 2023 World Championships with all athletes engaged in Olympic qualification for Paris 2024," the press release concluded.

In September 2022, the IJF Executive Committee suspended participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in international competitions. On March 28, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that international federations allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral status, while they would not be able to take part in team events. Athletes also should not be supporters of Russia's war in Ukraine or be affiliated with the Russian armed forces or national security agencies.