Harlan's main rivals from Russia suspended from international competitions after Russia's return

Russian fencers Sofia Velikaya and Sofia Pozdnyakova, who are considered to be the main rivals of Ukrainian Olga Harlan, were not allowed to participate in international competitions. The two Olympic champions were joined by another Games winner from the aggressor country, Yana Yegoryan.

This decision was made by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), the propaganda news agency TASS reports, citing Russian Fencing Federation President Ilgar Mamedov. Earlier, the official had spoken dismissively of Sweden's representatives in the sport, saying that "they do not exist" and "when they have something, then they can make statements".

Earlier, Russian fencers, despite being cleared by the FIE, were suspended from the Grand Prix in Seoul, South Korea, which was one of the stages of the 2024 Olympics qualifiers.

It should be noted that the day before, it became known that the use of St George's ribbons at the World Judo Championships in Doha was banned. The International Federation made this decision after the incident with Russian fans. In response, Olympic champion and State Duma member Svetlana Zhurova accused Ukraine of provocation.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Ukrainian fencers decided that they would not participate in competitions attended by representatives of the aggressor countries.

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