The International Sambo Federation (FIAS) has allowed athletes from Belarus and Russia to compete at international events under their national flags. The federation explained its decision by citing its commitment to “the fundamental principles of sport, which affirm its neutrality, independence and freedom from political influence.”
In October this year, the FIAS Executive Committee allowed Belarusian and Russian athletes to compete under their national flags and anthems at international youth and junior competitions. At a meeting on 4 December, this decision was extended to all age categories. It will enter into force on 1 January 2026.
“Since 2022, unlike many international sports federations, FIAS has consistently admitted athletes from Russia and Belarus to competitions under neutral status, based on the conviction that sport must remain outside politics.
Sport is a bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples, even in difficult times. We continued on this path, first restoring national symbols for juniors, and now for all athletes. This decision brings the situation back into the legal framework based on equal rights for all members of our federation,” said the federation’s president, Vasiliy Shestakov.
Shestakov, a Russian national, has headed FIAS since 2009. From 2004 to 2016 he served as a member of the Russian State Duma.