Moscow: World Boxing has announced a significant policy shift by lifting restrictions on Russian athletes, granting them the opportunity to compete in international tournaments under their national symbols, according to Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev.
According to Philippines News Agency, the decision was made following the World Boxing Executive Board's approval of the Russian Boxing Federation's request to join the organization in March. Initially, Russian athletes were allowed to compete as neutrals starting in April. However, the recent decision now permits them to participate across all age categories under the national flag and with the national anthem.
Degtyarev expressed that this move marks a return of Russian boxing to the global stage. He emphasized the importance of this decision, noting that World Boxing is authorized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to organize the Olympic boxing tournament. The Russian Boxing Federation's full membership now ensures Russian boxers' participation in international competitions, including Olympic cycles.
In February 2025, World Boxing received temporary recognition from the IOC as the international governing body for boxing. Subsequently, an IOC session voted to include boxing in the 2028 Olympic Games under World Boxing's jurisdiction. This decision followed the IOC's exclusion of the International Boxing Association (IBA) from the Olympic movement due to unresolved financial and governance issues. The IBA, led by Russian national Umar Kremlev, had already been stripped of its rights to conduct Olympic qualification events and competitions in 2019.
Meanwhile, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has extended Russia's suspension from international tournaments until 2027. The IIHF press office released a statement explaining that the decision followed a re-analysis of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation's request to participate in various IIHF Championships in 2027. Citing ongoing safety, security, and sporting integrity concerns, the IIHF determined that Russia will not be allowed to participate in several championships during the 2026-2027 season.
The IIHF initially suspended Russia and Belarus from international competitions in February 2022 due to the developments in Ukraine. Russian national ice hockey teams were also barred from the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy. IIHF President Luc Tardif stated in 2025 that this decision was made by the IOC, and the IIHF had no influence over it.
