Russian athletes have been cleared to compete under their national flag starting at this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, the International Judo Federation says.

In September 2022, the IJF banned Russian and Belarusian judokas from global events until January 2023 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

But Ukraine boycotted the 2023 World Judo Championships after the IJF allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals.

Belarusian athletes were cleared to compete under their flag in June and the IJF has now voted to allow Russia to do the same.

“Historically, Russia has been a leading nation in world judo, and their full return is expected to enrich competition at all levels while upholding the IJF’s principles of fairness, inclusivity, and respect,” the IJF said.

“Sport is the last bridge that unites people and nations in very difficult conflict situations and environments.”

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam begins on Friday and concludes on Sunday.