UIPM 2024 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships: 16 athletes approved to compete as neutrals

Fifteen pentathletes who hold Belarus passports, and one who holds a Russia passport, have been approved to participate in a neutral capacity in the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships in Zhengzhou (CHN) from 9-16 June.

Approval for the flagship competition of the UIPM 2024 season was also granted to seven coaches who hold Belarus passports.

Rather than representing their country of origin, any of the 16 athletes who take part in the two competitions (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 the combined UIPM 2024 World Championships. 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.