Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak pledges to wear 'Z' symbol again; 'If there was 2nd chance...'

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak made headlines at Apparatus Gymnastics World Cup in Doha by wearing a symbol to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine since he was unable to wear Russian flag as it had already been banned by International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). im of Ivan Kuliak wearing Z Symbol went viral after he went on st to collect his bronze medal which he won in parallel bars gymnastics event and stood next to a gold medalist from Ukraine.

Russia Ukraine war: Ivan Kuliak speaks on displaying Z Symbol 

According to a report by Guardian, Ivan Kuliak was defiant when questioned by Russia Today on Tuesday over his actions and w gymnast has come out and said that he does t regret his decision and would even do same again if he gets chance.

gymnast while defending his decision to wear Z Symbol said, “t at all. If re was a second chance and I would again have to choose wher to enter with letter ‘Z’ on my chest or t, I would do exactly same. I saw it on our military and looked at what this symbol means. It turned out to be ‘for victory’ and ‘for peace’. I didn’t wish anything bad on anyone. I just showed my position. As an athlete, I will always fight for victory and play for peace.”

move from Ivan Kuliak could also see him lose bronze medal as International Gymnastics Federation, also kwn as FIG decided to take disciplinary action against him for stunt. FIG in its statement said, " International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will ask Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against male artistic gymnast Ivan Kuliak (RUS) following his shocking behaviour at Apparatus World Cup in Doha, Qatar." 

Why was Ivan Kuliak wearing Z Symbol and what does it mean

Ivan Kuliak while speaking to Russian media said, " idea came after we saw how Ukrainians communicate with us. y behaved very ugly, shouting "Glory to Ukraine" during competition. 

Z Symbol worn by Ivan Kuliak was about Russia's victory in ongoing war. A similar sign is displayed on Russian vehicles and tanks amid Russia Ukraine war. When been asked if any sanction will be imposed on Russian gymnast FIG referred to article 42.3 of its 2022 statutes regarding “ disciplinary measures which can be imposed amongst ors on a Federation, on a legal entity or on an individual”. Such measures include “ cancellation of results of a competition”,