International Weightlifting Federation Lifts All Restrictions on Russian and Belarusian Athletes
The IWF Executive Committee has decided to immediately remove participation restrictions for Russian and Belarusian athletes in all age groups.
The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes of all age groups are now eligible to compete in IWF events. The decision was made based on recent recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding neutrality and the need to ensure fair opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level.
Earlier this year, restrictions were lifted for youth and junior categories; the latest decision extends this to all age groups. Athletes must still comply with existing eligibility criteria. The IWF reaffirmed its commitment to fair competition and safeguarding the integrity of the sport.
Meanwhile, other sports are seeing varied developments. The Russian Gymnastics Federation withdrew from a World Challenge Cup event in Romania after local authorities banned the use of Russian national symbols. In contrast, the International Fencing Federation (FIE) had already allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete with their national flags and anthems. Similar permissions have been granted by federations for judo, taekwondo, aquatics, wrestling, and gymnastics. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), following an appeal by Belarus, allowed the Belarusian U-18 team to return to the top division, where Latvia will also participate next year. However, the IIHF disciplinary body has proposed reviewing Russia's participation.
Broad restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes were introduced after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The IOC urged federations to ban them to prevent sport from being used as a propaganda tool. Gradually, many federations eased restrictions, permitting athletes to compete as neutrals without national symbols.
