Russians under the age of 18 have been granted sports citizenship in equestrian sports

Russian juniors in equestrian sports have been given back the right to compete in international competitions with the national flag and anthem. This was announced on February 6 by the Russian Equestrian Federation (FKSR).

"Athletes under the age of 18 competing in the categories of "Children", "Boys" and "Pony Riders" have been granted Russian sports citizenship in the database of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI)," the organization's Telegram channel says.

It is specified that now in the official FEI database, juniors from Russia will be displayed with Russian sports citizenship, which will allow them to participate in international competitions in their age categories, as well as indicate them in the technical results as representatives of their country.

The FKSR noted that the decision was made as a result of the work of the federation's international department and is aimed at restoring the full-fledged participation of young athletes in the international competition system.

At the same time, they recalled that only one status can be issued to one athlete — either Russian (RUS) or neutral (NI2). If other categories of athletes under the age of 18 participate in competitions, they will need to apply for a neutral status in accordance with current requirements.

In addition, athletes who are already competing under a neutral status, but intend to return to Russian sports citizenship, can send an appropriate appeal to the international department of the FCSR, the federation added.

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On February 5, the European Aquatics Federation allowed Russian athletes to participate in youth and youth competitions with a flag and anthem. It was clarified that the decision concerns individual and team competitions. According to European Aquatics, Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to participate in competitions without checking their personal data and in full compliance with the organization's protocols regarding flags, anthems, uniforms and other related elements.

Prior to that, on January 23, Mikhail Degtyarev, the Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Russian Olympic Committee, announced that Russian juniors were allowed to compete in weightlifting with a flag and anthem. The IWF allowed adult Russian athletes to participate in international tournaments in a neutral status.

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