World Taekwondo Sets Path for Russian and Belarusian Athletes at Open Championships
The World Taekwondo Federation announced that twenty three athletes from Russia and Belarus may compete at the upcoming World Championships. This decision followed a formal verification process and was disclosed on the federation’s official channel.
After completing a three step verification process established by World Taekwondo on April 3, these athletes were provisionally cleared to participate as Individual Neutral Athletes AINs. Upon arrival in Baku, they must sign a declaration agreeing to all participation conditions. Two athletes did not meet the required criteria and had their registrations rejected.
The World Taekwondo Championship is scheduled to take place from May 29 to June 6 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Earlier, the International Olympic Committee issued guidance to international federations, urging that Russian and Belarusian athletes be kept from competition in many events. A March 28 meeting of the IOC executive committee recommended allowing Russians to participate under neutral status provided they do not actively support hostilities. Athletes tied to law enforcement or military organizations were not permitted to compete.
Previously, the Russian national gymnastics team called for fairness and solidarity in sport, urging an end to humiliation and a move toward unity.