UIPM 2024 Pentathlon Junior World Championships: 19 athletes approved to compete as neutrals

Twelve pentathletes who hold Belarus passports, and seven who hold Russia passports, have been approved to participate in a neutral capacity in the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon Junior World Championships in Alexandria (EGY) from 24-30 June.

Approval for the competition was also granted to six coaches who hold Belarus passports and seven individuals (five coaches, one physio, one team official) who hold Russia passports.

Rather than representing their country of origin, any of the 19 athletes who take part in the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon Junior World Championships (only in individual categories) will be designated as independent neutral athletes (AIN).

The approval was granted by UIPM’s Independent Panel, which was set up in May 2023 after UIPM created a pathway for individual athletes with Belarus or Russia passports to return to UIPM Sports competitions on a neutral basis.

The members of the Panel researched and discussed the credentials of each individual application based on eligibility criteria set by UIPM, in cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and in line with the United Nations in terms of the protection of individuals’ rights.

All successful applicants have received approval of their neutral status and are eligible to compete in UIPM’s flagship 2024 competition for athletes aged 22 and under. Any applications for future competitions will be considered in the same way.

In making this announcement, UIPM also reiterates its absolute support for athletes and other members of the Modern Pentathlon community in Ukraine who have suffered so much since the invasion of their country by Russia, supported by Belarus.