Russia

International Table Tennis Federation removes restrictions on Russian players

TASS English · 2026-07-13

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) announced the full restoration of Russian athletes' participation in competitions starting July 28, 2026, following the International Olympic Committee's recommendation to lift restrictions. • Why it matters: This decision marks a significant shift in the treatment of Russian athletes in international sports, reflecting broader changes in the Olympic framework regarding Russian participation. • What to watch next: Observers will be keen to see how this reinstatement impacts international competitions and whether other sports federations will follow suit in lifting restrictions on Russian athletes.

International Table Tennis Federation removes restrictions on Russian players The International Olympic Committee (IOC) previously restored the Russian Olympic Committee's membership and recommended lifting all restrictions on Russian athletesMOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) will fully restore Russian athletes in competitions under its auspices starting July 28, the press office of the Russian Table Tennis Federation told TASS. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) previously restored the Russian Olympic Committee's membership and recommended lifting all restrictions on Russian athletes. "The ITTF Executive Board has decided that athletes holding a Russian passport shall be reinstated and permitted to participate in ITTF table tennis and Para table tennis events, under the ordinary conditions applicable to all athletes, with effect from 28 July 2026," an ITTF letter provided to TASS by the Russian Table Tennis Federation's press office reads. "The ITTF has taken note of the decision of the International Olympic Committee Executive Board of 7 July 2026 (which provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee - TASS)," the letter reads. In August 2023, the ITTF Annual General Meeting approved the participation of Russian athletes in ITTF competitions under neutral status. In April 2026, the ITTF allowed Russian junior athletes to compete under the national flag and anthem. 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Source: TASS English
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