The International Judo Federation has decided to allow Russian athletes to compete under their national flag again in its competitions starting this weekend, the IJF said Thursday, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine that, for years, had forced them to take part under a neutral banner.

The IJF executive committee voted to "reinstate full national representation" of Russian athletes, with their anthem and symbols, beginning with the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, taking part from Nov. 28 – 30.

"Athletes have no responsibility for the decisions of governments or other national institutions, and it is our duty to protect the sport and our athletes," the IJF said in a statement.

Contacted by CBS News, the IJF declined to offer any further explanation for the reversal in policy.

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