Where Can Russian Athletes Compete After the IOC’s Provisional Ban Lift?

Russia’s return to international sports competition was already well underway long before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted its ban on the Russian and Belarusian Olympic Committees this July. The shift began in September 2025, when the International Paralympic Committee voted against maintaining its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, paving the way for them to compete at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Paralympic Games, where Russian competitors won eight gold medals. By December, the IOC recommended that international federations lift their bans on Russian and Belarusian youth athletes. However, some individual governing bodies acted even earlier. The International Judo Federation became the first to restore full participation rights to senior Russian athletes in November of last year. World Taekwondo followed this January by approving the full return of both junior and senior athletes from Russia and Belarus. Since then, eight additional Olympic sports federations have restored full participation rights to Russian athletes and teams, allowing the use of the Russian flag, national anthem and team uniforms. Below is a list compiled by The Moscow Times detailing where and how Russian athletes can currently compete on the international stage: Federations that allow full senior and youth participation Aquatics : The World Aquatics Bureau lifted its ban on senior Russian and Belarusian athletes on April 13, 2026, two months after it lifted its ban on Junior athletes. In its statement, World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam said, “Over the last three years, World Aquatics and the AQIU have successfully helped ensure that conflict can be kept outside the sporting competition venues. We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition.” Fencing : The International Fencing Federation (FIE) reinstated Russian and Belarusian athletes on June 2, 2026. “The decision reflects the FIE’s commitment to the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter, including non-discrimination, equal treatment and the universality of sport, as well as the objectives and principles set out in the FIE Statutes,” FIE’s statement read. On July 28, Russian fencer Pavel Graudyn won gold in the Men's individual sabre at the World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong, marking Russia's first gold at a major championship since the International Fencing Federation lifted its restrictions. Gymnastics : The Executive Committee of World Gymnastics released a statement on May 18, 2026, that it had decided to lift all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian gymnasts. On July 28, 2026, European Gymnastics voted to bring itself in line with World Gymnastics in allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete with their national symbols. Handball : On July 15, 2026, the International Handball Federation (IHF) lifted its ban on Russian and Belarusian teams and officials, citing the IOC’s recommendation. “The IHF reiterates its longstanding commitment to the Ukraine Handball Federation and continues to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. It strongly condemns the ongoing war in Ukraine and its devastating consequences. It is the IHF’s sincere hope that the conflict will soon come to an end, paving the way for a return to peace, the restoration of normal sporting relations and the resumption of peaceful international cooperation,” the IHF statement said. “At the same time, the IHF remains committed to safeguarding the values of sport, promoting dialogue within the international handball family, and ensuring that its decisions continue to reflect the recommendations of the IOC and the interests of the global handball community” Judo : The International Judo Federation, calling sport the “last bridge for reconciliation and peace,” was the first to allow Russian and Belarusian senior athletes back, doing so on Nov. 27, 2025. “Athletes have no responsibility for the decisions of governments or other national institutions, and it is our duty to protect the sport and our athletes,” the federation’s statement said. “Sport must remain neutral, independent and free from political influence. Judo, rooted in the values of peace, unity and friendship, cannot allow itself to become a platform for geopolitical agendas. The decision to reinstate full national representation reflects the IJF’s confidence in its ethical safeguards, as well as in the strength and integrity of the sport,” it continued. Modern Pentathlon : The International Union of Modern Pentathlon lifted its ban on Russian athletes on July 13, 2026, citing the IOC’s recommendation. Taekwondo : The World Taekwondo Council allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes back into the fold on Jan. 31, 2026, at a meeting in the United Arab Emirates. Volleyball : The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced on July 8, 2026, that Russian teams and athletes would be restored to the World Rankin