Russian gymnast Ivan Kulyak sparked outrage at the World Cup after wearing the national symbol of war on his jersey, sharing the podium with Ukrainian rival Ilya Kovtun.
- Russian gymnast Ivan Kulyak caused an uproar at the World Cup in Doha.
- Kulyak wore a Russian military symbol on his shirt when he collected his bronze medal.
- He shared the podium with the winner of the event – Ukrainian star Ilya Kovtun.
Gymnast Ivan Kulyak sparked outrage on Saturday for wearing a Russian military symbol on his shirt while sharing a podium with a Ukrainian rival.
Former Russian junior champion Kulyak just finished third behind Ukrainian winner Ilya Kovtun in parallel bars at the World Cup in Doha.
And since the gymnasts were depicted standing shoulder to shoulder to collect their medals, the letter “Z” was clearly visible taped down the middle of Kulyak’s shirt.
The letter Z, which in Russian symbolizes “victory”, is plastered on the front. Vladimir PutinRussian tanks and other combat vehicles.
Russian gymnast Ivan Kulyak caused outrage when he stepped on the podium with the symbol of the national war.
Kulyak, 20, completed military training in the Russian army last year.
The letter Z on his jersey was in place of the Russian flag banned by the International Gymnastics Federation, which also canceled all competitions in Russia and Belarus.
Pro-Putin politicians, activists and influencers have also been seen wearing “Z” clothing and badges to show their support for the war. Z products are being sold by the Kremlin-funded TV channel Russia Today.
The Russian Defense Ministry issued a statement saying that “Z” stands for victory.
Kulyak shared the podium in Doha with Ukrainian gymnast Ilya Kovtun, who won first place.