The International Gymnastics Federation has condemned the "shocking behaviour" of Russian artistic gymnast Ivan Kuliak sporting a war symbol at the World Cup in Doha.
With Russian and Belarusian athletes permitted to compete at the Apparatus World Cup series amid the invasion of Ukraine, Kuliak won the bronze medal in the parallel bars.
The 20-year-old was pictured on the podium wearing a "Z" symbol on his leotard, with the letter representing a commonly used pro-war symbol by Russian forces meaning "for victory".
Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak wearing the "Z" pro-invasion symbol on his shirt while sharing a podium with a Ukrainian rival on Saturday.
— Megha Mohan (@meghamohan) March 6, 2022
Kuliak finished third - behind winner Ukraine's Illia Kovtun in the parallel bars at a World Cup event in Doha. pic.twitter.com/evtG1iEBgq
FIG have since released a statement condemning Kuliak's actions and confirming the imminent suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions, saying: "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 FIG adopted further measures against Russia and Belarus on 4 March. From 7 March 2022. Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to take part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions."
Ukraine's Illia Kovtun took the gold medal in the parallel bars, with Milad Karimi of Kazakhstan in second place.
Ben Knapton
