MOSCOW, May 15. /TASS/. The Bureau of the United World Wrestling (UWW) has ruled to permit Russian athletes of all age categories to participate in international competitions under the national flag and to the tune of the country’s anthem, Russian Sports Minister and President of the Russian Olympic Committee Mikhail Degryarev said.

Since February 2025, Russian adult athletes have been competing under the UWW flag, before that they participated in international competitions in a neutral status. In January 2026, the UWW announced the decision to allow Russian youth under the age of 24 to participate in international tournaments under the national flag and to the tune of the national anthem.

"My congratulations to all of our wrestlers and fans," Degtyarev wrote on his Telegram channel. "This is one of the most medal-rich disciplines for Russia. The UWW encompasses sports such as freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, women’s wrestling, grappling, pankration, and a number of others. Martial arts once again confirm their role as the driving force behind Russia’s return to world sport. This is undoubtedly to the credit of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who enjoys great authority in these sports."

Earlier, international federations that organize competitions in judo, sambo, taekwondo, kickboxing, muay thai, boxing, and MMA lifted restrictions against Russian athletes. Apart from that, Russian athletes can compete with national symbols at tournaments organized by the International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics). Furthermore, Russian juniors can participate without restrictions in international competitions in weightlifting, fencing, curling, volleyball, triathlon, pentathlon, and other sports.