Ukraine will boycott the 2025 World Judo Championships because of Belarus’ participation under the national flag
29 May 14:54
The Ukrainian national team will not participate in the 2025 World Judo Championships to be held in Budapest, Hungary. The reason is the decision of the International Judo Federation (IJF) to allow Belarusian athletes to compete under the national symbols.
The boycott was announced by the Judo Federation of Ukraine (JFU), "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
As it became known, on May 16, the website of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus published information about the IJF decision, which comes into force on June 1, 2025: Belarusian judokas are officially allowed to compete under the flag of their country in all international tournaments.
The Judo Federation of Ukraine asked the IJF for confirmation – in response, the international organization stated that it adheres to the principle of sport as a platform for dialogue, unity, and “building bridges, not walls.”
In response, the FDU decided to boycott the World Championships, which are scheduled to take place from June 13 to 19, 2025, in Budapest.
“We condemn the decision of the International Judo Federation, which contradicts the principles of justice, responsibility and solidarity. The participation of athletes from aggressor countries under their national flags is not only political blindness, but also disregard for the victims of war and international law,” the Federation said in an official statement.
The Federation emphasized that it will continue to consistently defend the moral principles, freedom and dignity of the Ukrainian people in the international arena.
