Belarusian athletes have regained the right to compete in international tournaments under their official national symbols. The decision was first made by the World Archery Federation, which has authorized the Belarusian team to participate in competitions using the country’s flag, coat of arms, and anthem. The update to the federation’s regulations, which govern the participation of athletes from sanctioned or restricted countries, was published on May 16, reports the Baltimore Chronicle with reference to OBOZ.UA.
It is noted that this decision does not apply to the Olympic Games — Belarusian and Russian athletes may only participate there under neutral status. For now, World Archery’s resolution is limited to its own tournaments, but it sets a precedent that could influence other international sports federations.
World Archery was among the first organizations to impose restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For the past two years, Belarusian competitors have only been allowed to take part in events without any national insignia. Now, the federation has permitted full representation of the country at its events, except for the Olympics.
The decision has sparked discussion in the sports community but remains in effect and is already being implemented — Belarusian archers are now officially allowed to compete under their national flag at World Archery events.
Earlier we wrote that european delegations walk iut of FIFA congress over Infantino’s tardiness.