Latest news with #FencingFederation
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Fencers urge federation to reinstate checks on ‘neutral' Russian, Belarusian athletes ahead of World Championships
More than 440 fencers from 40 countries signed an open letter urging the International Fencing Federation (FIE) to reinstate rigorous background checks on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under neutral status. The letter, released by the Global Athlete movement on Thursday, follows the FIE's decision to list Russian and Belarusian fencers as 'neutrals' for the July 22–26 World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia. The move has sparked criticism, with Ukraine's Fencing Federation saying it is considering unspecified legal action over the inclusion of athletes with Russian military ranks. Russia's war in Ukraine is more than three years old, after it invaded its neighbour in 2022. Elite fencers expressed their 'deep concern and disagreement' with the FIE's move to replace broader checks with a declaration of peace and neutrality. 'By removing comprehensive background checks, the FIE risks allowing individuals whose affiliations or actions conflict with the values of neutrality and non-violence to compete under a neutral status,' the letter read. 'The FIE's decision contradicts the core principles of fencing—respect, integrity, and fair play—and deviates from the approach originally taken by the international sporting community.' The FIE did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Last week, the FIE defended its stance, stating that it 'underscores the Federation's commitment to peace, fairness, and the global unity of sport'. 'Our approach is guided by our duty to protect athletes and preserve the integrity of competition. It is firmly anchored in the Olympic Charter and in our mission to safeguard the values of fencing,' the statement released last Friday said. 'The FIE's decision responds to a shared belief that athletes must not bear the consequences of geopolitical events beyond their control.' The European Fencing Confederation also criticised 'the lack of independent verification in the eligibility process for so-called neutral athletes'. Ukrainian Olympic multi-medallist Olga Kharlan, disqualified at the 2023 World Championships for refusing to shake hands with a Russian opponent, warned that FIE's decisions could jeopardise the sport's place in the Olympic program. 'We are really close to that moment that we won't be an Olympic sport, because this is not good for the promotion of the Olympic movement,' Kharlan told DW. 'To see (Russians) in competitions, it's an injustice for us.' Related Topics International Fencing Federation
Gulf Today
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Crown Prince of Fujairah honours winners of fourth edition of MBH Ramadan Games
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, attended the final day of the fourth edition of the Mohammed Bin Hamad Ramadan Sports Tournament held at the Zayed Sports Complex. The Crown Prince of Fujairah was accompanied by Sheikh Dr. Rashid Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Authority for Culture and Information, and Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi. He crowned the winners of the different categories including Taekwondo, Judo, Wrestling, Boxing, Fencing, and Karate. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the leading position of the Emirate of Fujairah in the field of sports in general, and martial arts in particular. He highlighted the Emirate's commitment, through its institutions and sports clubs, to attracting youth and adolescents to participate in sports competitions, which enhance this vital field both locally, regionally, and globally. He pointed out the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, to enrich and develop the sports scene, with a special focus on martial arts in all its forms. He also emphasized the importance of continuing to excel in this field within sports circles, and supporting the nation's vision and future directions in a way that serves its development. He praised the efforts of the organizing committee of the tournament for successfully achieving its goals throughout its editions by encouraging martial arts athletes to participate and develop their skills, thus reaching the best competitive levels. He also also honoured Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi, President of the Fencing Federation, Anas Al-Otaiba, President of the Boxing Federation, Nasser Al-Tamimi, Secretary-General of the Judo Federation, Abdullah Al-Samahi, Secretary-General of the Taekwondo Federation, Rashid Al Ali, Vice President of the UAE Karate Federation, and Sultan Al-Ketbi, Executive Director of the Wrestling Federation. The last day of the tournament was also attended by Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al-Zeyoudi, Director of the Office of the Crown Prince of Fujairah, President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation, and Nader Abu Shawish, Director of the Fujairah Martial Arts Club. The tournament featured the participation of 582 male and female athletes from different nationalities.
