BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The IAAF Doping Review Board has approved 14 more Russian athletes to compete as neutral athletes in upcoming international competitions, according to the official website of the world athletics governing body on Monday.
Russia has been banned from competition in international athletics tournaments since late 2015, due to doping problems. Since then, any Russian athletes wishing to compete have had to do so under a neutral flag.
According to the IAAF, the application process for athletes seeking neutral status in 2019 international competitions opened in December 2018. A total of 297 applications have been received, with 81 applications having been approved, while 39 have so far been rejected, and one revoked.
If the 81 approved Russian athletes reach the required qualifying standard, they will be able to compete at the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha this September 27.
