The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has lifted sanctions on athletes from Russia and Belarus, allowing them to compete under their national flags and anthems starting July 28, 2026. The decision by the ITTF Executive Board ends a ban imposed in March 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
#### Background of the ban
The ITTF initially barred all athletes, officials, and teams from both countries on March 1, 2022, citing safety concerns and the need to uphold fair play. Since then, Russian and Belarusian table tennis players had been able to compete only as neutral individuals, without state symbols. The new ruling restores full participation rights, allowing national representation at all ITTF-sanctioned events.
The decision was reported by Russian media outlet [Rosbalt](https://www.rosbalt.ru/news/2026-07-13/rossiyskih-tennisistov-dopustyat-k-mezhdunarodnym-turniram-s-flagom-i-gimnom-5636210) on July 13, 2026. ITTF has not yet issued a detailed public statement explaining the reversal, but the organization has previously indicated a gradual return of Russian and Belarusian athletes under conditions of neutrality.
#### Conditions for participation
ITTF has stated that athletes must not have publicly supported the war in Ukraine to be eligible. However, the federation has not specified how it will verify compliance. Critics have pointed out that many Russian athletes receive state funding and avoid public statements on the conflict, making enforcement difficult.
#### Impact on Ukrainian athletes
The decision comes as Ukrainian table tennis players continue to face severe training challenges due to the ongoing war. Russian missile strikes have destroyed sports facilities across Ukraine, and dozens of athletes and coaches have been killed or injured in combat or civilian attacks. Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the ITTF ruling.
Moscow has long sought to reintegrate its athletes into international sport as a means of normalizing its actions in Ukraine. Russian sports authorities have framed the lifting of sanctions as a diplomatic victory. The ITTF move follows similar decisions by other international sporting bodies in recent months, as pressure mounts on Olympic organizations to balance political considerations with the principle of athlete participation.
The ITTF decision takes effect from July 28, 2026, in time for the upcoming international tournament calendar.
