“A Russian national team has appeared at a major team sport event under the national flag and anthem for the first time since 2022.”

“The women’s water polo team became the first Russian squad to participate in a competition in a full-fledged status after the World Aquatics lifted all the restrictions imposed on the country, as well as its ally Belarus, over the Ukraine conflict.”

“The Russian female team faced off against Argentina during the second division competition underway in Malta, inflicting a decisive defeat of 33:11.”

“Ukraine’s men’s team withdrew from the competition in protest.”

“Over the past year, multiple international sports bodies have also restored the rights of certain Russian athletes to compete at global events – including bobsledders and skeleton racers, skiers and snowboarders, gymnasts, figure skaters, and riders – although only under a neutral status without national flags or anthems.”

“Late last year, the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) cleared Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags and anthems.”