The president of the Russian Fencing Federation, Ilgar Mammadov, spoke about safety concerns facing Russian athletes as they return to international competition.
He noted that in some cases, authorities abroad have refused to recognize or accept official documents from Russian representatives. Even when travel is possible, certain destinations restrict entry altogether. He emphasized the existence of notable security risks, especially when competitions occur far from traditional fencing hubs. The concern extends to women’s events and younger athletes, where additional protective measures could be prudent. These remarks were reported by Sport Express.
Plans mentioned at the time suggested that any changes should take effect in the second half of April 2023, ahead of the World Fencing Championships scheduled for July in Milan. The proposal called for competitors from Russia and Belarus to participate under neutral status. A vote tally showed 89 in favor and 46 against, reflecting a divided stance within the international fencing community.
Earlier, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced it was reviewing possibilities for Russian athletes who do not endorse the conduct of the operation in Ukraine to participate in global events under a neutral banner. This stance was discussed as part of ongoing dialogues among international sports bodies about eligibility and safety considerations for athletes from the region.
As part of the broader conversation, there was mention of progress within the International Fencing Federation (FIE) regarding allowing Russian fencers to compete in international tournaments under neutral status. The evolving policy landscape in international fencing has touched on the balance between inclusive participation and safety and neutrality requirements for athletes from Russia and Belarus.