Ukraine set to pull athletes from upcoming judo worlds after Russians allowed

Ukraine is set to boycott the world judo championships next week after the International Judo Federation signaled it will allow Russian and Belarusian competitors to enter the event, a key Olympic qualifier.

Ukraine has a policy of boycotting any international sports events that allow athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reported Sunday that a boycott was planned, citing national team judo coach Vitaliy Dubrova, though he added lobbying efforts would also continue.

The IJF said Saturday that it plans to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete as neutral athletes without national symbols. They would undergo background checks, including an examination of their social media for "war propaganda," the IJF said.

"With the World Championships - Doha 2023 being held from 7th to 14th May, with significant points to be awarded, this decision allows the possibility for fair participation and equal chances to all judo athletes who are pursuing their Olympic dreams," the IJF added.

Twenty Russians and Belarusians were on the entry list as of Sunday, including five who were listed as part of the Central Sports Club of the Army in a statement on the Russian Defense Ministry website after they won medals at a competition last year. Four were listed as holding the rank of staff sergeant. Their current military status could not immediately be verified.

The International Olympic Committee recommends allowing Russians and Belarusians to compete as neutrals in events like Olympic qualifiers, but it has urged sports bodies to exclude any athletes and coaches employed by the military or security forces. The IJF statement made no mention of that. The IJF did