IWF says weightlifters from Russia will soon return to the world arena

International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) President Mohammed Jaloud said on Wednesday, December 4, that Russian athletes will soon return to the international arena.

"Mohammed Jaloud congratulated Dmitry Vasilenko on his election as president of the FTAR [Russian Weightlifting Federation] and publicly announced the imminent return of Russian weightlifters to the international arena," the federation said in its Telegram channel.

It is specified that on December 5 a roadmap will be developed aimed at admitting weightlifters from Russia to the world and European championships in 2025.

Earlier, on August 7, the IWF did not allow any Russian athlete to participate in the World Championships. At the same time, the IWF Executive Committee approved 12 athletes, seven support staff and one technical referee from Belarus.

On March 28, 2023, the IOC executive committee recommended that international federations allow only those Russian athletes to compete who do not support Russia's special operation to protect Donbass, and as neutral athletes. It also followed recommendations not to allow athletes from the Russian Federation associated with the armed forces and security agencies to compete.

Later, on May 12 of the same year, the International Weightlifting Federation allowed Russian athletes to compete in a neutral status. As the IWF representatives noted, this decision represents a compromise between showing solidarity with Ukraine and refusing to discriminate against athletes on national grounds.