IBA President Umar Kremlev welcomes return of Russian boxers with national flags and anthems

LAUSANNE, Switzerland: International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev welcomed World Boxing’s decision to allow Russian athletes in all age categories to compete under their national flag and anthem, describing it as a victory for athletes over politics.

The decision was announced by Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev after World Boxing lifted restrictions that had previously required Russian competitors to participate as neutral athletes.

Kremlev said the move represented an important step towards restoring what he described as fairness in international sport.

“I am pleased that World Boxing is putting athletes, rather than politics, at the top of the podium,” Kremlev said in a statement.

“The flag and the anthem are the heart and soul of every athlete. Boxers from Russia and Belarus are returning to Olympic boxing, and at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles they will show the entire world what real, beautiful and powerful boxing looks like under their national flags and anthems.”

The IBA has consistently argued that athletes should not be prevented from representing their countries because of political decisions beyond their control. The governing body has continued to allow Russian and Belarusian boxers to compete under their national flags and anthems at IBA-sanctioned events.

World Boxing’s decision marks a significant shift in its policy towards Russian athletes ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, ending the requirement for Russian boxers to compete as neutrals in its competitions.