Congratulations to the Russian and Belarusian Fencing Teams on Returning to Compete Under Their Own National Flags
Phnom Penh, 6 May 2026
The fencing teams of Russia and Belarus have regained the right to return and participate in various international competitions using their own national flags.
The decision allows all Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in competitions using their country names and national flags as normal, following the executive board meeting of the International Olympic Committee on May 6 and 7, 2026. This decision was made following a prior ruling on December 11, 2025, which had only allowed the youth teams of both countries to use their national flags.
In accordance with the above decision, the International Fencing Federation (FIE) also decided, through an executive meeting on December 29, 2026, that the Russian and Belarusian fencing teams will be allowed to use their flags as well as their country names starting from the upcoming 2026 World Fencing Championships onwards.
This decision is based on the fundamental spirit of the Olympic Charter, which advocates for non-discrimination, equal treatment, and the universal spirit of sport.
On behalf of the members of the fencing family and the Olympic sports community, the Fencing Federation of Cambodia joins in congratulating the fencing teams of Russia and Belarus, who can now participate in competitions under their own names, uniforms, national flags, and national anthems with honor and dignity.
The 7 Fundamental Principles of Olympism are:
· Balanced Development: Olympism blends sport with culture and education to create a balanced way of life.
· The Joy of Effort: It values the educational merit of a good example, social responsibility, and mutual respect.
· Harmonious Society: The primary goal is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of humankind.
· Human Rights: Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport without discrimination of any kind.
· Political Neutrality: The Olympic Movement must absolutely maintain strict political neutrality and autonomy.
· Rights and Obligations: In compliance with the Olympic Charter, membership in the Olympic Movement is an essential requirement.
· Non-Discrimination: The enjoyment of rights must be secured without discrimination based on race, color, sex, or religion.
Additionally, the 3 core values of the Olympics demonstrate Excellence, Respect, and Friendship within the sporting circle, which aligns with the vision of the former President of the International Fencing Federation, Mr. Alisher Usmaov, and Dr. Celso L. Dayrit, who once said: "One Fencing, One World, One Family."
