Russian athletes and teams will be able to compete without restrictions in international competitions organized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) following a decision by the federation.
Russian Sports Minister and Russian Olympic Committee President Mikhail Degtyarev announced the decision on September 18 and outlined the scope of the FIH's new policy.
Russia's national symbols will be allowed
The FIH decision also lifted restrictions on the use of Russia's flag, anthem and national symbols. In addition, restrictions preventing the federation's events and competitions from being held in Russia have ended.
The FIH Executive Board made the decision following the decision adopted by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board on July 7, 2026. The IOC decision reinstated the status of the Russian Olympic Committee.
Decision comes ahead of 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Field hockey is included in the program for the Olympic Games to be held in Los Angeles in 2028. The FIH has thus become the 21st international federation to lift all restrictions on Russian athletes.
Russian athletes were banned in 2022
Russian athletes were banned from international field hockey competitions in 2022. In February 2026, the FIH allowed Russian junior athletes to participate in tournaments under its authority.