Ukrainian wrestler refused a photo with Russian Usmanov at the World Cup awards ceremony
Ukrainian freestyle wrestler Vasily Mikhailov refused to be photographed with Russian Akhmed Usmanov at the awards ceremony of the 2023 World Championships in Belgrade. Sport24 reports this.
Usmanov won the gold award, after which silver medalist Vladimir Gamkrelidze from Georgia and bronze medalist Iranian Mohammad Nokhodi stood on the podium with the Russian for a joint photo. The Ukrainian, who also took third place, did not do this.
Usmanov’s victory was the first for the Russian team at the World Championships. He won gold in the up to 79 kilogram category.
Earlier on Monday, September 18, it became known that the leadership of the United World of Wrestling addressed the Russians and Ukrainians competing at the World Championships. Athletes were asked to refrain from shaking hands to avoid incidents if one of the opponents refuses.
The World Championships, which are a qualifying tournament for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, will end on September 24. Russians compete in neutral status.
Source: Lenta
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