Women's World Championships: Russian And Belarusian Boxers Compete Under Their Own Flag
NDTV
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had issued sanctions, including a ban on national flags, symbols and anthems, against the athletes from the two countries after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year and Belarus' assistance in the attack.
Russian and Belarusian boxers on Thursday competed under their respective national flags at the IBA Women's World Championships since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last year. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had issued sanctions, including a ban on national flags, symbols and anthems, against the athletes from the two countries after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year and Belarus' assistance in the attack. Athletes from the two countries were allowed to compete in events but without their national flags or anthems. They took part as neutral athletes.
However, the International Boxing Association (IBA), led by Russian Umar Kremlev, last October lifted the ban on Russian and Belarusian, allowing them to participate under their own flag despite the IOCs recommendation.
Yuliya Apanasovich (52kg) of Belarus and Russia's Aedma Anna (52kg) were the pugilists competing from the two countries on the first day of competition.
"It is the most wonderful emotions I have for sure (competing under the Russian flag)." "I'm really proud to compete for my country here. I'm proud that I am from Russia," flyweight boxer Aedma Anna, who belongs to the Altai region in Russia, said.
