Recently, a top Ukrainian fencer was disqualified for failing to shake hands with a Russian athlete after beating the warring nation.

As the IOC eases sanctions on Russian and Belarusian athletes ahead of next year’s Paris Olympics, the aftermath of war is spreading across the sports world.

Reporter.

[Reporter]

Ukrainian fencer Harlan showed tears as he bowed to his country in the third and fourth place matches in the sabre team competition at the World Championships 메이저사이트.

Earlier, Harlan had been disqualified for refusing to shake hands with a Russian fencer who was at war with his country after beating him in the individual competition.

International Fencing Federation rules call for a “black card” for refusing to shake hands, which is a disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct.

With Harlan losing the chance to earn ranking points, the IOC settled the controversy by promising him a spot at the Paris Olympics.

“The rules need to be changed so that it can be explained to Ukrainians – they need to understand that during war we cannot shake hands.”

Such clashes have become increasingly common since the IOC paved the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in international events as neutrals this year.

Ukrainian women’s tennis player Svitolina has declared on several occasions that she will not shake hands with Russian and Belarusian athletes, and was booed by the crowd at the French Open.

The Ukrainian government has softened its stance, saying it might consider withdrawing the “boycott” if athletes from the two countries compete in individual capacities at the Paris Olympics, but there’s still a lot of backlash from athletes.

“I don’t want to be in the same ring with the aggressor countries, Russia and Belarus.”

The IOC has not given final approval for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the Paris Olympics, but is reserving a decision.