They will compete with their flag and national anthem. The International Wrestling Federation has lifted all sanctions against Russia and Belarus
This was announced by the UWW press office.
Wrestlers will be able to compete in uniforms bearing the initials RUS and BLR, and their national anthems will be played at the medal ceremonies.
Russia was suspended from competition from March 2022 to April 2023, after which athletes competed under ‘neutral status’. In September 2025, sanctions against Russia and Belarus were eased, and in January 2026, the organisation allowed wrestlers from both countries in the U23 age group to compete under their own flags.
On 11 December 2025, the IOC advised the governing bodies of sports organisations to allow youth teams and athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags and anthems.
As early as January 2026, the World Taekwondo Federation allowed athletes from these countries to compete under their own flags, and in April the International Aquatic Sports Federation also endorsed the decision.
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