Ukraine will not participate in individual competitions at World Fencing Championships because of admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus
President of Ukrainian Fencing Federation Mykhailo Ilyashev announced lineup of Ukraine’s team at World Championships, which has been granted access to Russians and Belarusians.
It was told by him in an interview with Suspilne Sport, informs Censor.NЕТ.
Ukraine will be represented in all team events, but will miss all women's fencing tournaments and men's epee competitions, as Russians and Belarusians are represented in all these events.
Representatives of Russia and Belarus are not allowed to compete in team events. There are 8 Russians on the World Cup team, including Leila Pirieva, who supported the invasion of Ukraine.
The World Cup will also be played for points in the world ranking, which will determine tickets to the 2024 Olympics.
Thus, Olga Kharlan will not be able to compete for an individual medal and points to qualify for the Olympics.
Nevertheless, the President of the Ukrainian Hockey Federation emphasized that Ukrainians will compete in individual events if the Russians are not physically present at the tournament.
Everyone will participate in team events. We will not be in the individual events where there are Russians and Belarusians. Where they are not present, we will participate. And the issue will be resolved directly there, when it is clear. Because sometimes there were situations when applications were submitted, but the athletes did not show up. Therefore, if they (Russians and Belarusians - ed.) do not physically show up, we will participate. And we have several other countries that have announced the same position that they will not compete.
