A big storm in the world of sports, after Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak carried a symbol related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on a medal stand at the World Cup competition, which closed yesterday (Sunday) in Doha, Qatar.
Kuliak, who carried out the provocation while standing next to a Ukrainian gymnast, is expected to stand trial.
It should be noted that in the center of Kuliak's shirt the letter "Z" was all highlighted as he stood next to Kovton Ilia, the winner of the gold medal, while Kuliak himself, the former national champion in multi-event and ground, won the bronze medal in the same competition.
Russian Ivan Kuliak wore the letter Z on his chest during the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha.
The Z is reportedly a symbol of support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
(Kuliak won bronze in parallel bars. Ukraine's Kovtun Illia won gold.) Https://t.co/iZ1Kb5RIUq pic.twitter.com/Qi6wGHMGHO
- Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) March 5, 2022
It is important to note that the "Z", a letter that does not exist in the Cyrillic Russian alphabet, was seen imprinted on Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine and came to symbolize support for the invasion.
"The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) confirms that it will ask the Foundation for the Ethics of Gymnastics to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Ivan Kuliak following his shocking behavior at the World Cup in devices in Doha, Qatar," the statement said.
Russian military vehicles in Ukraine.
Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak receiving bronze medal (he was standing beside Ukrainian who took gold).
Terminally ill children with parents used by Russian propaganda to show their support for the invasion.
pic.twitter.com/0tkzhUOpyx
- Tadpolesperspective (@Tadpolesview) March 7, 2022
It has already been decided that as of today, all Russian and Belarusian gymnasts will not be able to compete in future tournaments.
"The FIG adopted further steps against Russia and Belarus on March 4," it said in FIG.
"As of March 7, 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including referees, are not allowed to participate in FIG competitions or FIG-certified competitions."
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