The Executive Committee of the International Sambo Federation has returned to Belarusians the right to perform under national symbols at world competitions. The decision comes into force on 1 January. FIAS head Vasily Shestakov said that the structure gradually allowed athletes from Belarus and Russia to compete in a neutral status, based on the belief that sport should remain outside politics. This week, the International Judo Federation also allowed Belarusians to perform with national symbols on the world stage.