Russia and Belarus are returning to sports with their national symbols — a decision by the federation
13 April 21:26
World Aquatics has announced the lifting of restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian".
From now on, they may:
- compete under their national flags
- use their countries’ national anthems
- compete in their national uniforms
This marks a return to full participation in international competitions.
What is changing
Previously, starting in 2023:
- athletes from Russia and Belarus competed under a neutral status
- without a flag, anthem, or national symbols
Now:
- these restrictions have been lifted
- the rules for participation have effectively been aligned with those of other countries
What restrictions remain
Despite the easing of restrictions, the federation retains control:
- before competitions, athletes will undergo four consecutive anti-doping tests
- the tests will be conducted with the participation of the World Anti-Doping Agency
According to the federation:
- more than 700 tests have already been conducted
Why did this happen
The decision is part of a broader trend in international sports.
In December 2025:
- The International Olympic Committee recommended allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus:
- to compete under their national flags (initially for youth)
In February 2026:
- The European Aquatics Federation supported this approach
World Aquatics’ decision was a logical continuation of this policy.
The issue of admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus remains controversial:
- some federations maintain restrictions
- while others are gradually easing them
This creates:
- inconsistent rules across different sports
- political tension surrounding international competitions
