Wrestlers Return: Russian and Belarusian Athletes Reinstated
Russian and Belarusian wrestlers can compete under their national flags at international events once more, following the International Olympic Committee's decision, and the United World Wrestling's approval. This decision allows these athletes to participate in qualification events for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, lifting previous restrictions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russian and Belarusian wrestlers are back on the global stage, able to compete under their national flags at international events. The decision was announced by United World Wrestling on Friday, following a pivotal move by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last week.
This change allows Belarusian athletes to participate in qualification events for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, reversing a previous recommendation for bans following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which saw Belarus as a staging area.
For the past years, Russian and Belarusian wrestlers have competed under the United World Wrestling flag rather than their national banners, including events as neutrals for the 2024 Olympics. The latest move marks a significant shift in policy, allowing the athletes to return to full representation with uniforms sporting country initials and national anthems during medal ceremonies.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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