Lausanne: International Boxing Association (IBA) on Wednesday lifted its ban on Russia and Belarus from competing at its events with immediate effect.
“The Board of Directors voted in favor to cancel its previous decision and allow boxers of Russia and Belarus to compete at the IBA events with immediate effect. The IBA strongly believes that politics shouldn’t have any influence on sports. Hence, all athletes should be given equal conditions,” IBA said in a statement.
As a result, both Russian and Belarus teams will be able to perform under their flags, and the national anthems will be played in case they win a gold medal.
According to the decision, the technical officials of Russia and Belarus will also be back in the competitions.
The sports governing boday also said that the IBA has obligation to ensure equal treatment towards the athletes and competition officials, regardless of their nationality and residence.
Earlier in March, in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine, IBA followed the recommendations set out by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and had banned representatives from Russia and Belarus from competing in international events.
