The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) on Monday announced that athletes holding a Russian passport would be allowed to participate in table tennis and Para table tennis events.
The decision comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted its ban on Russian athletes and allowed them to compete in team events and qualifying competitions for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. IOC reinstating Russia does not bind the governing bodies of individual sports to do so.
The ITTF has emphasised that the federation’s decisions do not cancel possible restrictions related to the legislation of individual countries, visa regulations, sanction regimes, government requirements, security issues, anti-doping or disciplinary regulations, accreditation rules, or regulations of specific tournaments.
They also went on to clarify that the decision would not apply to matters within the control of the IOC or other bodies relating to the Olympic Games, including accreditation, quotas, use of the flag, anthem, national symbols, uniforms, status of delegations or conditions of participation.
“Along with this decision, the ITTF reaffirms its solidarity with the Ukrainian table tennis community and recognises the profound impact that the ongoing war has had on Ukrainian athletes, coaches, officials, clubs and families. This decision does not diminish the ITTF’s support for Ukraine, nor its concern for those who continue to suffer from the conflict. The ITTF remains committed to supporting the table tennis community in Ukraine through various channels,” the federation said in a statement.
Track and field has already stated that they won’t be following suit, and there is no sign yet of changes, which could allow Russia to participate in major football tournaments like Euro 2028 or a future World Cup.
