Russian athletes will once again be allowed to represent their country in international modern pentathlon competitions after the sport's governing body lifted restrictions on their participation, marking another step in Russia's return to international sport.
The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) announced on Monday that its executive board had voted to reinstate Russian athletes and teams, with the decision taking effect from next month.
The move follows the International Olympic Committee's decision last week to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.
Russian athletes will be eligible to compete under their national flag from the European Championships in Istanbul, Türkiye, which begin on 3 August.
The UIPM said its executive board approved the measure during an online meeting, ending restrictions imposed following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
UIPM President Rob Stull said the decision reflected the IOC's evolving position on athlete participation.
"The IOC has made it clear that Olympic sport is moving into a new era where athletes will no longer be punished for the actions of their governments," Stull said.
Russian athletes were barred from representing their country after the IOC recommended in February 2022 that sports federations exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Although many sports later allowed eligible Russian athletes to compete as neutrals, they remained prohibited from competing under the Russian flag. The UIPM's latest decision ends those restrictions in modern pentathlon.
Last week, however, the IOC provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, prompting several international sports federations to review their own policies.
Belarusian athletes, who were also barred following Belarus' support for Russia's invasion, were reinstated by the UIPM in May.
The UIPM's decision comes as international sports bodies continue to reconsider restrictions imposed following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier on Monday, the International Table Tennis Federation also announced that Russian athletes would once again be permitted to compete in international events.
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