NEW DELHI: In response to the disqualification of Ukrainian fencer Olha Kharlan at the World Fencing Championships and the ensuing controversy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued a call for sports federations to approach contests between Ukrainian athletes and Russians competing as neutrals with sensitivity.
The disqualification occurred after Kharlan, a four-time sabre world champion, did not shake hands with her Russian opponent, Anna Smirnova, who was participating in the championships in Milan as a neutral athlete.
The decision by the Ukrainian presidency to disqualify Kharlan's match was strongly criticised, with the presidency labeling it "absolutely shameful."
In the past, the Ukrainian sports ministry had a policy of prohibiting athletes from competing against Russians or Belarusians competing as neutrals. However, ahead of the championships, the ministry changed its stance, giving Kharlan the green light to compete against Smirnova.
The shift in the ministry's policy aimed to reduce the possibility of a boycott of the Paris Olympics, as it had previously been a point of contention between Ukraine and Russia. Nevertheless, the situation has sparked debate over sportsmanship and the complexities of diplomatic relations in the sporting arena.
The IOC's call for sensitivity is an effort to address the delicate nature of these matchups and ensure that decisions made during such competitions are fair and considerate of the broader context.
As tensions persist between Ukraine and Russia, handling these sporting events with respect and understanding becomes essential to maintain the spirit of the Olympics and uphold the principles of sportsmanship.
"This decision will allow Ukrainian athletes to participate in international competitions and will enable them to qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024," an IOC spokesperson told AFP.
"We are glad that they will be given this opportunity, and at the same time we are aware of the difficult inner conflicts they may have, given the aggression against their country.
"Therefore, we encourage international federations to handle situations involving Ukrainian and individual neutral athletes with the necessary degree of sensitivity.
"We continue to stand in full solidarity with the Ukrainian athletes and the Olympic community of Ukraine."
From its own territory and that of Belarus, Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, four days after the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, in violation of the Olympic truce and charter.
The IOC imposed sporting sanctions on Moscow and Minsk.
Kharlan was livid with the IOC and fencing's governing body when Russians and Belarusians were permitted to start competing again, albeit as neutral athletes, earlier this year.
Fencing was the first sport to open its doors to them in March.
Tennis was one sport where Ukrainians had played Russians and Belarusians ever since the invasion.
They have, though, refused to shake hands.
The IOC is yet to make a final decision over whether to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete in Paris. That leaves open a potential change of mind by Ukraine over a boycott.
(With AFP inputs)
