Ban Lifted: World Aquatics Opens Doors Again To Russia, Belarus With Conditions

Last Updated:April 13, 2026, 23:45 IST

World Aquatics lifts its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete under their flags again.

In a significant and inevitably controversial move, World Aquatics has lifted its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their national flags at senior events.

Athletes from Russia and Belarus had been sidelined from international competition following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since September 2023, they were allowed to compete only as neutrals, stripped of flags, anthems, and national identity.

But now, all of that changes.

“Following a decision of the World Aquatics bureau… the guidelines for athlete participation in aquatics events during a period of political conflict will no longer apply to senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality," the governing body said in a statement.

“Senior athletes… will be permitted to compete… with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems."

Not A Free Pass

But the offer came with its own conditions.

World Aquatics confirmed that athletes must pass at least four consecutive anti-doping tests before being cleared to compete. It’s a clear attempt to keep the focus on clean sport.

“Over the last three years, World Aquatics and the AQIU have successfully helped ensure that conflict can be kept outside the sporting competition venues," World Aquatics President Husain Al-Musallam said.

“We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition."

A Wider Shift in Sport

The decision mirrors a similar move by the International Paralympic Committee, which allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their flags at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina.

Russia’s sports minister, Mikhail Degtyarev, welcomed the decision, calling it a step toward restoring sporting ties.

“I am grateful to Mr Al-Musallam for his firm stance… It is very important that international sports dialogue is bearing fruit," he said.

Unsurprisingly, not all reactions to the move have been positive.

(with AFP inputs)

News sports other-sports Ban Lifted: World Aquatics Opens Doors Again To Russia, Belarus With Conditions

Read More