In 2023 the Asian Games in Hangzhou welcomed athletes from Russia and Belarus under a neutral status, a framework designed to allow competition while avoiding official national symbolism. These competitors participated without flags or other national insignia and did not contend for medals on behalf of their home countries. This approach aimed to keep the athletes in international competition while navigating the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding their national affiliations.
The arrangement meant that results achieved by Russians and Belarusians would still influence qualification pathways for the 2024 Summer Olympics. As part of the broader competition structure, performances by neutral Russian and Belarusian participants contributed to the Olympic team selection process, underscoring how neutrality can intersect with long‑term athletic objectives on the world stage.
Hangzhou hosted the event from September 23 to October 8, bringing together thousands of athletes from across Asia and beyond. For the neutral teams, the Games also represented a test of competitive equity and the ability to meet event standards without the usual national branding. Organizers and participating federations worked within evolving guidelines intended to balance sport, politics, and the safety of all competitors during the Games.
During a meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee held on March 28, officials recommended that Russians and Belarusians be allowed to participate under neutral status provided they did not actively support the ongoing use of territorial or political actions in Ukraine. This stance reflected a cautious approach, aiming to preserve fair play and athlete opportunity while separating sporting competition from broader political debates. The guidance emphasized that neutrality would be contingent on adherence to the agreed rules and the absence of active endorsement of contested political positions.
Earlier in February 2022, the IOC had urged international sports federations to restrict participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international events on a broad scale. The recommendation signaled a significant shift in how many governing bodies viewed competition, national identity, and the role of sport in global conflicts. Over time, the stance evolved as organizations sought a balance between maintaining competitive integrity and providing athletes with avenues to compete at the highest levels.
Historically the situation has been framed by remarks from the Russian Olympic Committee and other national bodies, which argued that Western reactions to Russian athletes often magnify political tensions rather than focusing on athletic performance. This history has shaped ongoing discussions about how neutrality should be practiced, what it means for team representation, and how athletes can advance their careers even when their national context is contested. Observers note that the core objective remains clear: ensure athletes have the opportunity to compete on equal terms while respecting the broader geopolitical landscape and the rules set forth by international sport’s governing bodies.