MOSCOW, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- World Aquatics has allowed Russian and Belarusian water polo players to return to international competitions beginning on January 1, 2026, according to the organization's new eligibility rules, it was reported.
The athletes will be permitted to compete under neutral status during the events, without any other association with their country, according to the TASS news agency.
Previously, only swimmers, divers, and synchronized swimming athletes from the two countries were allowed to participate in international tournaments as neutral athletes.
The move means World Aquatics has become the first organization to admit Russian athletes as neutrals in a team sport, TASS said.
World Aquatics first suspended athletes from Russia and Belarus from participating in its competitions in March 2022 following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The organization began easing restrictions in 2024, allowing swimmers, divers and artistic swimmers to return under neutral status. ■