World Boxing has announced that boxers from Russia and Belarus are now permitted to compete in international competitions as neutral athletes with immediate effect. The decision was approved by the executive board at its meeting in April 2026.

Under the new policy, athletes from these countries will compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), without national flags, anthems, logos, or uniforms, and will be subject to a vetting process.

This move follows the executive board's March decision to approve membership applications from the Russian and Belarusian boxing federations, clearing the way for their athletes to participate in events.

The AIN procedure applies across all age-group competitions organized by World Boxing, European Boxing, and international events run by national federations, including coaches, support staff, and team officials. World Boxing stated that the procedure takes immediate effect, with the secretary-general formally notifying the respective federations.

Source: www.aljazeera.com