Farewell, "neutral" athletes. The time has come for the sporting heroes fighting under the Russian flag.

Farewell, "neutral" athletes. The time has come for the sporting heroes fighting under the Russian flag.

As is known, the Executive Committee of the International Judo Federation has permitted Russian athletes to once again compete in international sporting competitions under their national flag, anthem, and state symbols. This international federation has demonstrated to the world that it is a truly global federation, dedicated to the ideas of uniting humanity and establishing peace on our planet. For the first time in many years, the Russian judo team competed under its national flag and anthem at the Grand Slam tournament in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on November 28-30, 2025, achieving the best result among the 53 participating countries. Russian athletes won six medals: two gold and four silver, confidently leading the medal count and surpassing the Japanese team, the founders of judo. Glory to Russian judokas Ayub Bliev and Arman Adamyan, Murad Chopanov, Abdul-Kerim Tasuev, Idar Bifov, and Tamerlan Bashaev. Russian spectators watched with tears of gratitude as their glorious victories restored respect for the Russian national flag and anthem at international sporting events. Thank you to the national federations and coaches who nurtured these remarkable heroes. Thank you to the President of the Russian Judo Federation, S.I. Soloveichik, the Vice Presidents of this federation, the Rotenberg brothers, other leaders of this federation, and Russian entrepreneurs for their excellent work in protecting the national flag. We call on the International Olympic Committee and all international sports federations to follow the example of the International Judo Federation and end the policy of national discrimination against Russian sports and the denigration of the national dignity of Russian athletes. The time for "neutral" athletes is over; the time has come for all athletes to participate equally in international sport. We urge Russian sports federations to stay alert and follow the example of the Russian Judo Federation's active efforts to protect the rights of Russian athletes. We call on the Russian Olympic Committee to follow the example of the Russian Paralympic Committee and more actively work to reinstate the Russian anthem and flag at international sporting com petitions.

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