The International Fencing Federation lifted restrictions on Russians and Belarusians

The International Fencing Federation has allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to once again compete in tournaments under national flags and with the national anthems played.

This is stated in the FIE statement.

The corresponding decision was made by the federation’s executive committee. The new rules will come into effect with the senior world championship, which will be hosted by Hong Kong in July 2026.

From now on, Russian and Belarusian athletes, as well as official team representatives, will be able to participate in individual and team competitions under the auspices of the FIE without any restrictions. They will compete under their national abbreviations, in the uniforms of their national teams, with the flags and anthems of their countries.

The federation stated that this decision is in line with the principles of the Olympic Charter, in particular regarding non-discrimination, equal treatment of athletes, and the universality of sport.

The 2026 World Fencing Championships will be held in Hong Kong from July 22 to 30.

As a reminder, the International Ice Hockey Federation partially lifted restrictions on Belarus and allowed three national teams to participate in international tournaments.