Russian figure skaters sweep podium at 2026 ISU Kinoshita Group Cup
Quick Look
Russian pair skaters Alexandra Boikova and Dmitry Kozlovsky won gold at the 2026 ISU Kinoshita Group Cup in Tokyo with 203.66 points, followed by compatriots Yekaterina Chikmaryova/Matvey Yanchenkov and Anastasia Mukhotorova/Dmitry Yevgenyev in silver and bronze, marking their return to international competition under neutral status after ISU suspensions related to Ukraine.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Russian and Belarusian athletes were suspended by the ISU in March 2022 due to the developments in Ukraine, but the IOC recommended in July to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee and lift restrictions on Russian athletes' participation in international tournaments.
TOKYO, September 6. /TASS/. Figure skaters from Russia competing in pair skating event at the 2026 ISU (the International Skating Union) Kinoshita Group Cup swept the podium with Alexandra Boikova and Dmitry Kozlovsky stepping on the top of the pedestal.
The judges awarded the Russian pair of Alexandra Boikova and Dmitry Kozlovsky 203.66 points for their performance.
The silver and the bronze went to their compatriots Yekaterina Chikmaryova/Matvey Yanchenkov (202.55 points) and Anastasia Mukhotorova/Dmitry Yevgenyev (189.94 points) respectively.
In March 2022, the ISU suspended Russian and Belarusian athletes from all international tournaments supervised by the organization due to the developments in Ukraine.
At the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the ISU allowed two Russian figure skaters to participate under a neutral status - Adelia Petrosyan and Petr Gumennik.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a decision in July to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and also recommended lifting restrictions on the participation of Russian athletes in all international tournaments, including both in individual and team competitions.
Starting from the 2026/27 season, the International Skating Union allowed Russian figure skaters to participate in international competitions in a neutral status.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
More Russian figure skaters will be permitted to compete in international events under neutral status in the 2026/27 season
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific conditions must Russian athletes meet to compete under neutral status?
- How will other international sports federations respond to the ISU's decision on Russian figure skaters?
- Will the reinstatement of the ROC lead to broader participation of Russian athletes in other sports?
