Ivan Kuliak: Russian gymnast who wore pro-war symbol on podium in Qatar given one-year ban

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak has been handed a one-year ban by a disciplinary committee for sporting a symbol supporting Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine on the medal podium in Doha in March.

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak will have to return the bronze medal he won at the Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha in March

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) that was investigating the incident said Kuliak violated rules by wearing the insignia “Z” and has been banned from FIG-sanctioned events till at least 17 May 2023.

Kuliak, who is an artistic gymnast, won a bronze medal at the Gymnastics World Cup event in Doha. The 20-year-old was seen displaying the letter “Z” on his chest as he arrived on the podium to receive his medal in an event won by Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun.

The letter has become a symbol to show support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after it was seen scrawled across Russian military tanks and vehicles carrying out what Vladimir Putin has dubbed a “military operation”. War has raged in the European country for 84 days now.

Kuliak now has to return the bronze medal he earned after he was disqualified for his stunt from the World Cup event. He will also have to return his prize money of 500 Swiss francs (£403) and contribute to the costs of the proceedings in the sum of 2,000 Swiss francs (£1,612), the FIG said in a statement.

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