Russian and Belarusian boxers have been given the green light to compete as neutral athletes, World Boxing announced on Tuesday, mirroring the International Olympic Committee’s position following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Under the new policy, athletes from both nations will participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), stripped of national flags, anthems, logos, or uniforms. They will also undergo a vetting process.
This move comes after World Boxing’s executive board approved membership applications from the Russian and Belarusian boxing federations in March, paving the way for their athletes’ return to international events.
The AIN procedure will be implemented across all age-group competitions organised by World Boxing, European Boxing, and international events run by national federations. It will also extend to coaches, support staff, and team officials.
World Boxing confirmed the procedure took immediate effect, with its secretary general formally informing the respective federations of the new measures.
The subject of Russians and Belarusians competing in international sporting events has been in the spotlight in recent months after athletes from both countries were permitted to compete under their own national flag at the Winter Paralympics.
It was the first time the Russian flag had been flown at the Paralympics since the 2014 Games in Sochi.
The country’s athletes were initially banned because of a state-sponsored doping program, and the sanctions against Russia have continued since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
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The decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Games was not a universally popular one, and led to several countries boycotting the opening and closing ceremonies.
The UK government joined the boycott, with a spokesperson saying: “We strongly oppose the decision of the International Paralympic Committee to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.”
