The International Judo Federation announced Thursday that Russian athletes will be permitted to compete again under their national flag, with anthem and team colors in place.

“Following recent developments, including the reinstatement of full national representation for Belarusian athletes, the IJF considers it is now appropriate to allow the participation of Russian athletes under equal conditions,” the federation said in a press release.

“Historically, Russia has been a leading nation in world judo, and their full return is expected to enrich competition at all levels while upholding the IJF’s principles of fairness, inclusivity, and respect,” it added.

The judo decision comes amid hints from senior figures in international sport that relations should be normalized with Russian athletes, who have been banned from many events and competitions since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

“Sport must remain a beacon of hope — a place where people can come together in peaceful competition. This is the essence of Olympism: Every eligible athlete, team and official must be able to take part without discrimination or political interference,” Kirsty Coventry, president of the International Olympic Committee, said during an event in Brussels last week.

Judo, which is one of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin’s favorite sports, has become the latest battleground in the discussion over how and when Russian athletes should be readmitted to global competition while the war goes on.

“Sport must remain neutral, independent, and free from political influence. Judo, rooted in the values of peace, unity, and friendship, cannot allow itself to become a platform for geopolitical agendas,” the IJF said in its statement.

The Russian athletes will return to judo competition at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam 2025, the federation said.