Russian gymnast faces disciplinary probe for wearing pro-war symbol on podium

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The international gymnastics body has launched a disciplinary investigation into a Russian athlete for wearing a pro-war symbol at a competition in Qatar.

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

The federation said on March 4 that it adopted further sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as athletes and officials from these countries are not allowed to participate in its competitions or its sanctioned competitions starting Monday, March 7.

After winning a bronze medal in the parallel bars on Saturday, Kuliak, 20, appeared on the podium in a uniform that had a letter Z taped to his chest – a symbol adopted to show support for Russia's war on Ukraine.

In the ceremony, Kuliak stood next to Illia Kovtun, the gold medal winner from Ukraine.

Since Russia began its war against Ukraine on Feb. 24, it has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow, and spurred an exodus of global companies from Russia.

At least 406 civilians have been killed and 801 others injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, according to UN figures.

More than 1.7 million people have also fled to neighboring countries, the UN Refugee Agency said.