Russian Gymnast Kuliak Faces Disciplinary Action for ‘Shocking’ Behavior

A screen grab shows Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak with a Z tapped to his uniform. (YouTube)
A screen grab shows Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak with a Z tapped to his uniform. (YouTube)
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Russian Gymnast Kuliak Faces Disciplinary Action for ‘Shocking’ Behavior

A screen grab shows Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak with a Z tapped to his uniform. (YouTube)
A screen grab shows Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak with a Z tapped to his uniform. (YouTube)

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said it will open disciplinary proceedings against Russian artistic gymnast Ivan Kuliak for his "shocking behavior" in displaying a symbol of support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine during an event.

The 20-year-old finished third in the parallel bars final at the Apparatus World Cup in Doha over the weekend and displayed the letter "Z" on the front of his outfit as he stood on the podium next to Ukrainian rival Illia Kovtun, who won the gold.

Russian forces have used the letter Z as an identifying symbol on their vehicles in Ukraine following Moscow's invasion of its neighbor. Some supporters of the invasion have also been displaying the symbol.

"The International Gymnastics Federation confirms that it will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to open disciplinary proceedings against ... Kuliak following his shocking behavior at the Apparatus World Cup," the FIG said in a statement.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation" designed not to occupy territory but to destroy its neighbor's military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists.

Belarus has been a key staging area for Russian forces.

The FIG has already canceled all of its events in Russia and Belarus adding that it would not allocate other events to the two countries until further notice.

"The FIG adopted further measures against Russia and Belarus on March 4. From March 7, 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, are not allowed to take part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions," it added.



Ivankovic Takes Responsibility after China’s World Cup Dream Ends

China's Croatian head coach Branko Ivankovic listens to the national anthem before start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier football match between Indonesia and China at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on June 5, 2025. (AFP)
China's Croatian head coach Branko Ivankovic listens to the national anthem before start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier football match between Indonesia and China at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on June 5, 2025. (AFP)
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Ivankovic Takes Responsibility after China’s World Cup Dream Ends

China's Croatian head coach Branko Ivankovic listens to the national anthem before start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier football match between Indonesia and China at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on June 5, 2025. (AFP)
China's Croatian head coach Branko Ivankovic listens to the national anthem before start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifier football match between Indonesia and China at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on June 5, 2025. (AFP)

China coach Branko Ivankovic took responsibility for his team's exit from the World Cup qualifiers after they fell to a 1-0 defeat by Indonesia in Jakarta on Thursday.

China had faint hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup despite three consecutive losses against Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia, which left them bottom of Asian qualifying Group C.

The expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 edition had ignited Chinese hopes of a return to the finals for the first time since their sole appearance in 2002.

"This team has been fighting for this goal for over 20 years," Ivankovic told reporters.

"We believed that if we could reach the next stage from this tough group, we would have a strong chance of qualifying. But we didn't succeed, and as head coach, I definitely bear significant responsibility."

The 71-year-old Croatian was appointed by China in February last year to replace Aleksandar Jankovic after the Serbian failed to take the East Asian country beyond the group phase of the 2024 Asian Cup.

"We've brought in a younger generation of players who have injected energy into the team. Based on their performances, I believe this team has a promising future," Ivankovic said.

"We knew this match would be tough — not just because of the opponent, but also the weather. I want to thank my players for fighting until the very last second."

China next host Bahrain, who are in fifth place in Group C, for their final third-round qualifier on June 10.