JAKARTA - World Boxing officially lifted the sanctions on Russian athletes, allowing the country to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem at international events.
The decision was approved by the World Boxing Executive Committee in a meeting that also discussed the allocation of major international competitions for the 2027-2029 cycle, including the qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"The Executive Board accepts that Russian athletes will now compete in World Boxing competitions like boxers from other national federations," said an official statement from World Boxing.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been banned from appearing in various international sporting events after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The two countries were then allowed to compete again with the status of neutral athletes.
Then in early July 2026, the IOC announced the lifting of the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee while easing a number of restrictions. The decision opened up opportunities for Russian athletes to participate in the qualification process for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Even though they have lifted sanctions for Russian boxing athletes, World Boxing insists that they will still monitor the Russian Contingent during various championships.
"World Boxing will closely monitor the behavior of the Russian delegation during the event and compliance with the anti-doping protocol," they said.
Lifting the sanctions on the boxer follows recent easing of restrictions by the IOC, which this month temporarily lifted a suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.
It was a move seen as bringing Russia closer to reintegration into the Olympic movement ahead of the Los Angeles Games.
World Boxing previously in April had previously allowed Russian boxers to appear with neutral status.
Russian Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyaryov welcomed the decision. He also admitted that he was happy that his boxers could return to the international stage with the flag and the national anthem.
"Russian boxing is back on the international stage. World Boxing has allowed our athletes, in all age groups, to participate in all international events with the national flag and national anthem," he said.
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