Breaking News - re-inclusion of Belarus in WAKO activities from January 2025

Dear Members,

We are pleased to inform you that following a WAKO Board meeting and interactions with various WAKO

Committee, it was approved at the WAKO IF board meeting for the re-inclusion of Belarus in our WAKO activities

starting from January 2025.

WAKO has meticulously followed international developments regarding the inclusion of Russia and Belarus in

sports. After careful consideration, we have decided to adhere to the IOC guidelines, allowing participation for

individual neutral athletes, in line with practices adopted by many other sports and combat sports within the Olympic

movement.

Following a thorough investigation and subsequent meeting with the Belarusian authorities, we have granted

access to Belarusian athletes, coaches, and referees under the condition that they comply with the individual neutral

athlete principle. The Belarusian federation has signed an agreement outlining these principles and regulations.

We acknowledge and deeply appreciate the Belarusian Federation's loyalty to WAKO’s past decisions and their

amicable acceptance of our regulations.

Key conditions include:

- Athletes and support personnel must not be members of any armed forces or actively involved in the military

conflict between Russia/Belarus and Ukraine.

- Athletes and support personnel must comply with IOC and WAKO regulations, maintaining neutrality and refraining

from any activity or communication associated with the national symbols of Belarus or support for the conflict in

Ukraine, at any official venue or in the media (including interviews and social media) before, during, and after WAKO

competitions.

Any violations of the agreement will result in disciplinary investigation and action.

Please note, this decision pertains solely to Belarus and does not extend to Russia at this time. Please join me in

welcoming the Belarusian federation and its athletes and coaches back to our competitive calendar in 2025.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

Respectfully Yours,

Roy Baker

WAKO President