Judoka Tasoev noted the importance of returning the flag and anthem to athletes from Russia

The return of the national flag and anthem is of great importance for athletes from Russia and gives them additional motivation. On October 7, Russian judoka Inal Tasoev told Izvestia.

"It was a shame to perform without a flag, it was a shame to perform without an anthem. <...> I stand for Russia. I'm playing for my country," the athlete emphasized.

He noted that Russian athletes train and perform on an equal basis with representatives of other countries, so restrictions on them cause him misunderstanding. According to him, sports should not depend on the political events taking place in the world.

"How is this possible (depriving athletes of the right to the flag and anthem. — Ed.)? I just can't wrap my head around it. What does sport have to do with it? If there is one situation that is happening in the world, and what does sport have to do with it? <...> And everyone sees this attitude on the mat when we come out and bow, show respect to our opponent. And in the same way, these rivals come out on this tatami and bow to us, bow to us the same way. This is their sign of respect for us," Tasoev said.

The judoka added that he would always advocate for Russian athletes. According to him, even in conditions of restrictions, athletes from the Russian Federation continue to participate in international competitions and achieve high results.

"Ours are coming out anyway. Even though we are being harassed, we still go out and win. So this is justice. You know, I'm glad that she triumphed. And it always will be. And I believe that good always wins over evil," concluded the athlete.

Overall: seven medals brought victory to Russian judoka in Lausanne

Marina Vorobyova won the first adult international gold, Inal Tasoev became the best in the heavyweight division.

For the first time in four years, judoka were allowed to compete under their own flag and anthem at the World Championships in Baku. 23 participants from Russia came to the tournament, and already at the beginning of the championship they won a bronze medal: athlete Sabina Gilyazova defeated compatriot Marina Vorobyova in a duel for third place in the weight category up to 48 kg on October 4. In the men's tournament in the category up to 60 kg, Russian Ayub Bliev also competed for the bronze medal, but lost to the 2025 world champion Ryuju Nagayama of Japan.