Belarus athletes cleared to compete under own national flag in Olympic sport amid Ukraine-Russia war

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Belarusian athletes will be allowed to represent their country in modern pentathlon competitions from next week, after the sport’s governing body, the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM), lifted restrictions on their participation on Tuesday.

This move follows last week’s decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that paved the way for Belarusian athletes to return to international competition, including qualification events for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The IOC had recommended Russian and Belarusian athletes be banned from competitions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Belarus has been used as a staging ground for the war, which entered its fifth year in February.

UIPM chief Rob Stull explained the rationale in a statement: “In the reasoning behind its decision on May 7, the IOC clearly stated athletes should not be held responsible for the actions of their governments.”

Belarusian athletes also competed at the Winter Paralympics earlier this year (Getty)

He added: “We are pleased that this principle has been reaffirmed in the decision to restore normal competition conditions for Belarus athletes, and I’m glad that the UIPM Executive Board has followed that reasoning.”

Stull also highlighted that “Belarusian athletes have participated on a neutral basis in our competitions since 2023, without incident. I am grateful to all parties for respecting the process that we implemented, which has ensured the safety of all athletes.”

While restrictions on Russian athletes remain in place until further notice, Belarusian competitors will participate as neutrals at the World Cup event in Pazardzhik, commencing on Wednesday.

They will, however, be permitted to compete under their own flag and anthem at the Budapest event from June 9 to 13.

This decision follows the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their own national flags at the Winter Paralympics earlier this year.

The controversial ruling drew criticism from some nations who opted to boycott the opening and closing ceremonies in protest.