ITTF lifts restrictions on Russian athletes in table tennis
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 11:03 AM
Last updated Jul 13, 2026
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) announced that Russian players can rejoin international competition without restrictions and with national symbols starting July 28, 2026. This decision follows a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to end the restrictions that were implemented after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Athletes competing under the Russian flag must still comply with anti-doping regulations set forth by the ITTF. The ruling outlines that visa restrictions and sanctions must be respected despite the lifted ban.
- •Russian athletes can compete globally from July 28, 2026.
- •Restrictions were lifted based on IOC recommendations.
- •All participants must meet ITTF anti-doping requirements.
- •The decision respects existing sanctions and visa laws.
- •Vladimir Sidorenko reached the final at the U.S. Smash tournament recently.
- 11:03 AMYahoo Sports — Table tennis body ITTF ends restrictions against Russian athletes
"Russian table tennis players can return to international competition without any restrictions and with their national symbols such as flag and anthem, the ruling body ITTF said on Monday. The ITTF said that it has followed a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to lift restrictions imposed after the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
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