[ad_1]
Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak, who displayed the Z image related together with his dwelling nation’s invasion of Ukraine, has mentioned he has no regrets about what he did.
Kuliak got here third on Saturday at a gymnastics World Cup occasion in Doha, and affixed the image to his shirt whereas accepting his medal on the rostrum.
The winner of the occasion was Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun.
Ukraine conflict stay information – newest updates as Ukraine accuses Russia of shelling the port metropolis of Mariupol throughout a ceasefire
The letter Z is seen as an emblem of help for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – and is daubed on pro-Russian tanks and tools
Z has come to be related to help for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and has been daubed on the aspect of tanks and weapons.
Learn extra: Why is Russia utilizing the letter ‘Z’ and what does it imply?
Kuliak sparked condemnation whereas carrying the image, with the Worldwide Gymnastics Federation (FIG) branding it “stunning behaviour” and urging the Gymnastics Ethics Basis to analyze.
Nonetheless, the 20-year-old has remained defiant within the face of a ban from the game, telling Russian state media: “If there was a second probability and I had a alternative whether or not to exit with the letter ‘Z’ on my chest or not, I’d do the identical.
“I noticed it on our army and checked out what this image means. It turned out to be ‘for victory’ and ‘for peace’. I simply needed to indicate my place. As an athlete, I’ll all the time struggle for victory and play for peace.”
Kuliak stood on the rostrum subsequent to Ukrainian rival Illia Kovtun, who gained the gold
From 7 March, Russian athletes and coaches have been banned from worldwide occasions, according to most different sports activities’ world governing our bodies inserting sanctions on the nation – however Kuliak’s look at this occasion fell earlier than that date.
In the meantime, the varied governing our bodies of worldwide tennis have teamed up for a marketing campaign that may see them donate $100,000 (£76,300) to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
The ATP, WTA and Worldwide Tennis Basis have additionally donated to the Ukraine Tennis Federation.
The Wimbledon Basis has made extra donations to the British Pink Cross and the Disasters Emergency Committee.
On the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, this week, blue and yellow ribbons can be given to gamers to put on throughout the competitors.
Russian and Belarusian tennis gamers have been advised they will proceed to compete on excursions as people, however they must play as neutrals with out nationwide flags. The nation groups have been banned from competing.
[ad_2]
Source link
