Russian gymnast sports 'Z' symbol on shirt while sharing podium with Ukrainian winner, sparks outrage

Categories: SPORTS FOREIGN COUNTRIES

                            Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak sparked massive outrage on Sunday (March 06) after he was seen sporting an insignia showcasing support to his country in their ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Kuliak had a 'Z' symbol engraved on his shirt as he stood on the podium to collect his bronze medal in the parallel bars at a Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha, Qatar.

                             Kuliak had won the bronze medal finishing behind Ukraine's Kovtun Illia, who bagged the gold medal to stand on top of the podium. A Kuliak shared the podium with his Ukrainian rival, he had the symbol 'Z' placed on his shirt. At a time when several Russian athletes have stood up against their country's actions in Ukraine, Kuliak's behaviour has left many in shock.

                          "The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against Ivan Kuliak following his shocking behaviour at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha, Qatar,” FIG said in a statement.

                           Several sporting bodies including the likes of the International Olympics Committee, FIFA and UEFA among others have sanctioned Russia in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. The sporting bodies have banned Russia from hosting any events and the Russian athletes from taking part in any sporting events organised by them.Russia's invasion of Ukraine has received widespread criticism from across the globe as millions of Ukrainians have had to flee their country due to the war.