Judoka were allowed to compete under the Russian flag.

      As reported on the website of the Judo Federation of Russia, the Grand Slam in Abu Dhabi will be the first official competition in a long time at which judoka from Russia will compete under the national flag, and if they win the national anthem will be played in their honor. The corresponding decision was announced by the leadership of the International Judo Federation (IJF).

      According to a statement on the IJF’s official website, Russia has historically been a leading country in world judo, and it is expected that the restoration of athletes’ rights will enrich competitions at all levels and will be fully consistent with the International Federation’s principles: fairness, inclusivity and respect.

      “We thank the IJF for this long‑awaited, fair and courageous decision,” said the head of the Judo Federation of Russia, Sergey Soloveychik. “We are glad that it was international judo that was the first to make this historic decision, remaining true to universal human values and to the willingness to act for the common good… We are proud to be part of this international sporting family that supported the decision. And we expect that national federations and countries will support it as well. And those who have forgotten will remember the purposes for which sport exists, beyond cultivating strength.”