Press releases

World Aquatics lifts restrictions on Belarusian athletes

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MINSK, 13 April (BelTA) - World Aquatics has announced that Belarusian and Russian athletes can participate in international competitions, BelTA learned from the press service of Belarus’ National Olympic Committee.

Belarusians and Russians will be able to compete equally with athletes from other countries using their national flags, anthems, and uniforms without any restrictions. Earlier, youth and junior athletes had already been permitted to compete under the same conditions.

"Over the last three years, World Aquatics has successfully helped ensure that conflict can be kept outside the sporting competition venues.We are determined to ensure hat pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition,” WA President Husain Al Musallam said in a statement.

Athletes with Belarusian or Russian sporting citizenship will be able to compete in international events only after passing at least four consecutive anti-doping tests conducted in partnership with the International Testing Agency (ITA) and a background check by the Aquatic Integrity Unit (AQIU).

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