The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has welcomed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board's decision to no longer apply its recommendation restricting the participation of Russian athletes and teams in international competitions.

The IOC said it will continue to monitor the situation but will allow Russian athletes to compete, if certain anti-doping criteria are met.

IOC president says athletes should not be punished for “actions of their governments”, but decision isn’t binding on governing bodies.