"VAN" (Sports Desk - 19.02.2026) :: World Rowing has confirmed an update to its eligibility rules regarding the participation of athletes holding Russian or Belarusian passports at 2026 World Rowing events.
Following a decision by the World Rowing Executive Committee, athletes holding a Russian or Belarusian passport may now compete across all World Rowing events as ‘AIN’, subject to strict neutrality and independence conditions.
This decision extends the current framework beyond selected events and now applies to all World Rowing competitions, including but not limited to:
- World Rowing Championships
- World Rowing Cups
- World Rowing Indoor Championships
- World Rowing Masters Regattas
- World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals and Coastal Championships
An individual who wishes to participate as an AIN in a World Rowing Event, staged under the authority of World Rowing, must respect the following strict independence conditions:
- No display of Russia and Belarus national flags, colours or symbols.
- No playing or singing of the National Anthem of Russia or Belarus.
Alignment with Olympic principles
World Rowing’s approach is aligned with the principles reaffirmed by the Olympic Summit, which recognised that athletes have a fundamental right to access sport worldwide and to compete free from political interference or pressure from governmental organisations.
At the same time, World Rowing reiterates that athletes have a responsibility to respect, uphold and promote the Olympic values before, during and after competition.
The participation of Individual Independent (Neutral) Athletes reflects this balanced approach: safeguarding athletes’ rights while preserving the integrity, neutrality and values of international sport.
Commitment to fairness and integrity
World Rowing remains fully committed to ensuring fair competition, athlete safety and the integrity of its events, while continuing to uphold the fundamental values of the Olympic Movement.
This updated framework will be applied consistently across all World Rowing events and monitored closely to ensure full compliance.
Responses
Leave your comment