Russian, Belarusian swimmers permitted to compete under flag

World Aquatics announced on Monday that it had lifted sanctions on Russian and Belarusian athletes and would allow them to compete with their national flags and anthems.

Aleksandr Maltsev of Russia performs during the men's solo technical final of artistic swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, July 19, 2025. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)

"Following a decision of the World Aquatics Bureau, and in consultation with the Aquatics Integrity Unit (AQIU) and the World Aquatics Athletes' Committee, the Guidelines for Athlete Participation in Aquatics Events During a Period of Political Conflict will no longer apply to senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sporting nationality," the sport's governing body said in a statement published on its official website.

It added that athletes holding Belarusian or Russian sporting nationality will be allowed to compete in World Aquatics events in the same manner as their counterparts from other countries, with their national uniforms, flags and anthems.

The World Aquatics Bureau had previously amended the Guidelines, which are implemented by the AQIU, to enable junior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality to participate on the same basis as their fellow junior athletes.

Russian Sports Minister and President of the Russian Olympic Committee Mikhail Degtyarev welcomed World Aquatics' decision on the same day.

"We welcome World Aquatics' decision to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes to all international aquatic competitions on an equal footing with other athletes, in national uniforms, with their national flags and anthems," Degtyarev said.

Under Article 6 of the World Aquatics Constitution, Russia and Belarus have also fully resumed their membership rights.