World Gymnastics is standing firm on its choice to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competition.

On Tuesday, federation officials explained that the move prioritizes athlete neutrality and global unity over political conflict.

They insisted that the decision is rooted in the principle of ‌equal treatment. Thanks to the move, athletes from the aforementioned countries can participate in international events under their national flags.

World Gymnastics clarified its stance in a statement.

"The Executive Committee's decision to lift all restrictions ​imposed on Russian and Belarusian athletes is based on the ​principle of equal treatment for all athletes regardless of nationality,” the statement read, as per Reuters.

The governing body emphasized sportsmanship and keeping the game devoid of politics.

"World Gymnastics firmly believes that sport ​and politics must remain separate and that unity and solidarity ​should prevail at all sporting events," the statement read.

The federation added that the international competitions should serve as a neutral platform to bring athletes and nations together in a spirit of fairness and mutual respect.

The change in policy impacts all disciplines, such as artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic, aerobic gymnastics, and trampolining.

Following the announcement, the Russian Gymnastics Federation celebrated FIG's decision. President Oleg Belozerov lauded the committee for restoring the rights of Russian athletes and allowing their return to competition.

Olympic gold medalists such as Angelina Melnikova, Viktoria Listunova, and Vladislava Urazova had faced tough times after the ban was imposed in 2022. Melnikova, in particular, only returned to international meets after gaining AIN status.

The condition was granted to athletes without a military background or public support for the conflict. Furthermore, they had to compete without the flags of Russia or Belarus and without their national anthems.

The Russian gymnast participated in the 2025 World championships and walked away with the women's individual all-around gold medal.

With the sanctions abolished, athletes from Russia and Belarus can focus on upcoming meets such as the 2026 World Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam or the Burgas FIG Acro World Cup.

A Return to Championships Post-Ban Lift

The decision to lift the ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus has opened the gate wide open at the upcoming international championships. After being limited to the domestic circuit for the past four years, these athletes will now have a fair chance to participate worldwide.

The upcoming season will kick off with the World Cup in Burgas, Bulgaria. The event is scheduled from May 29 to 31, presenting a perfect opportunity for athletes to celebrate and raise their national flags on the stage. The competition will be followed by the 54th Artistic Gymnastics World Championship in October.

Other sanction bodies such as World Aquatics, United World Wrestling, and the International Paralympic Committee have also lifted their bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Read more at the Gymnastics Digest!

Written by

Sebi Mehta

Edited by

Sijo Paul