Russian, Belarusian athletes to compete under national flag at European events PHOTO

Russian athletes will be permitted to compete under their national flag and with their anthem at European youth and junior competitions, the European Aquatics Federation has announced.

From February 1, competitors holding Russian or Belarusian passports will face no restrictions when taking part in European Aquatics events in youth and junior categories, both individually and in teams, according to an official letter circulated to national federations, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The federation emphasised that all competitions must adhere to European Aquatics’ regulations regarding flags, anthems, uniforms, and other national symbols, provided the countries’ national federations hold valid accreditation. The decision follows recommendations from the International Olympic Committee and World Aquatics.

Adult athletes from Russia and Belarus, however, will continue to compete only as neutral participants at European Championships, requiring an application and approval from European Aquatics. This also applies to coaches and team staff, following the system trialled at youth European water sports events in 2025.

The move marks a gradual easing of international restrictions on athletes from Russia and Belarus. In recent years, the International Union of Modern Pentathlon allowed Russian juniors in U15, U17, and U19 categories to compete under their national flag and anthem, while United World Wrestling permitted athletes under 24 to do the same.

In 2025, Russian Paralympians were also granted the right to use national symbols at select international events.

By Aghakazim Guliyev