UIPM 2024 Pentathlon World Cup Sofia & UIPM 2024 Pentathlon World Cup Final: Thirteen athletes approved to compete as neutrals

Twelve pentathletes who hold Belarus passports, and one who holds a Russia passport, have been approved to participate in a neutral capacity in UIPM 2024 Pentathlon World Cup Sofia (May 8-13) and the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon World Cup Final in Ankara, Türkiye (May 22-26).

Approval for the last two competitions of the World Cup season was also granted to four coaches who hold Belarus passports, and one physio.

Rather than representing their country of origin, any of the 13 athletes who take part in UIPM 2024 Pentathlon World Cup Sofia (a maximum of four female and four male athletes per nation of origin, only in the individual category) will be designated as independent neutral athletes (AIN).

Participation in the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon World Cup Final is also dependent on the standard qualification system outlined in the UIPM Competition Rules.

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 the fourth and fifth events of the UIPM 2024 season. 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.