Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak has no regrets over wearing ‘Z’ war symbol despite threat of lengthy ban
RUSSIAN gymnast Ivan Kuliak says he has no regrets over wearing a war symbol in support of the invasion of Ukraine.
Kuliak attached the letter 'Z' to his chest on the podium following a World Cup event in Doha on Saturday.
Vladimir Putin's supporters have been seen wearing clothes and badges with the letter 'Z' on - referencing their support for the war of Ukraine.
The symbol - which represents the Russian phrase for victory - has been visible on Putin's tanks and killing machines entering Ukraine.
Kuliak won a bronze medal in the parallel bars as Ukraine's Illia Kovtun secured the victory.
The 20-year-old's controversial move was condemned as 'shocking behaviour' by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), which has asked its Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to launch an investigation.
But Kuliak, who faces the prospect of a lengthy ban, remains unrepentant.
He told Russia Today: "If there was a second chance and I had a choice whether to go out with the letter 'Z' on my chest or not, I would do the same.
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"I saw it on our military and looked at what this symbol means.
"It turned out to be 'for victory' and 'for peace'. I just wanted to show my position.
"As an athlete, I will always fight for victory and play for peace."
Prior to the event in Doha, the FIG had announced that all Russian gymnasts and officials would be banned from international events from March 7 until further notice, in line with global sporting sanctions against the country.
Meanwhile, tennis' governing bodies have united to create the 'Tennis Plays for Peace' campaign.
The ATP, WTA, ITF and the four Grand Slams have each donated more than £75,000 to humanitarian efforts through Global Giving's Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund and the Ukraine Tennis Federation.
The Wimbledon Foundation has also made donations to the British Red Cross and the Disaster Emergency Committee.
Ribbons in the colours of the Ukraine flag will be distributed to players at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which begins on Wednesday.
Ukrainian No1 Elina Svitolina and recently-retired player Sergiy Stakhovsky, who has returned to Ukraine to join the reserve army, have also produced a short video with a message of hope for their country.