Ivan Kuliak displayed a ‘Z’ on his shirt during a World Cup event in Doha
A Russian gymnast who displayed a symbol which showed support for the invasion of Ukraine is now facing a lengthy ban.
Ivan Kuliak won bronze representing Russia on the parallel bars during a World Cup event in Doha, where Ukrainian Ilia Kovtun took gold.
When standing on the podium during the medal ceremony, the Russian clearly had the letter ‘Z’ printed onto his shirt in place of the Russian flag.
The letter ‘Z’ represents ‘victory’ in Russian and has been spotted on numerous tanks and military vehicles during the invasion of Ukraine.
Just saw that Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak wore 'Z' symbol at the World Cup in Doha yesterday to show his support for the war in Ukraine. Can't think of a more disgusting thing to do and a better reason to ban Russia from sporting events altogether instead of current half measures pic.twitter.com/1rmV5UNQnR
— Tadeusz Giczan (@TadeuszGiczan) March 6, 2022
Kuliak has also had a history with the military and has received training with the Russian army within the past year, as reported by the Mail.
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
The 20-year-old’s actions have since been condemned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) in a statement to confirm they would investigate the incident.
It said: “The International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Kuliak following his shocking behaviour at the Apparatus World Cup.
“The FIG adopted further measures against Russia and Belarus on 4 March.
“From 7 March, 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to take part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions.”
The FIG have also confirmed that they have cancelled all events that were due to be hosted in Russia and Belarus, stating that no events would take place in the two countries until further notice.
Related links:
- Russian gymnast wears national war symbol while sharing podium with Ukrainian rival
- Arsenal accused of hypocrisy over Ukraine after not backing Ozil’s Uighur campaign
- Captured Russian soldier quit after seeing Usyk and Lomachenko return to Ukraine
