World Boxing has announced that Russian and Belarusian boxers will be permitted to compete as neutral athletes, aligning with the International Olympic Committee's stance following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The decision, revealed on Tuesday, allows athletes from both nations to participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), without national flags, anthems, logos, or uniforms. They must also undergo a vetting process.
Background of the Decision
This development follows the approval of membership applications from the Russian and Belarusian boxing federations by World Boxing's executive board in March, which paved the way for their athletes' return to international competitions. The AIN procedure will be enforced across all age-group events organised by World Boxing and European Boxing, as well as international events run by national federations. It will also apply to coaches, support staff, and team officials.
Immediate Implementation
World Boxing confirmed that the procedure is effective immediately, with its secretary general formally notifying the respective federations about the new measures. The issue of Russian and Belarusian participation in international sports has been contentious, especially after athletes from both countries were allowed to compete under their national flags at the Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina 2026. This marked the first time the Russian flag was flown at the Paralympics since the 2014 Sochi Games, following a ban due to state-sponsored doping and continued sanctions after the Ukraine invasion.
Reactions and Boycotts
The decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Paralympics sparked controversy, leading several countries, including the UK, to boycott the opening and closing ceremonies. A UK government spokesperson stated: "We strongly oppose the decision of the International Paralympic Committee to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games."
