Фото: Jacob Rice, unsplash.com
United World Wrestling (UWW) has announced the removal of all restrictions on the participation of Belarusian and Russian wrestlers in competitions held under the organization’s auspices.
Athletes from Belarus and Russia will now be allowed to compete under their national flags in all age categories, including senior-level events. The abbreviations BLR and RUS may be used on athletes’ and staff uniforms, and the national anthems of both countries will be played during award ceremonies in the event of victory.
UWW had gradually eased restrictions introduced after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in March 2022. In 2023, wrestlers under the age of 15 and 17 were allowed to compete as neutral athletes. In September 2024, eligibility criteria were updated, and in February 2025 athletes were permitted to compete under the UWW flag without neutral status, though still without national anthems or symbols. In January 2026, following a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee, the federation allowed athletes under 23 to compete under national flags. The current decision extends these conditions to all age categories.