NEW DELHI: In response to the disqualification of Ukrainian fencer Olha Kharlan at the World Fencing Championships and the ensuing controversy, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued a call for sports federations to approach contests between Ukrainian athletes and Russians competing as neutrals with sensitivity.
The disqualification occurred after Kharlan, a four-time sabre world champion, did not shake hands with her Russian opponent, Anna Smirnova, who was participating in the championships in Milan as a neutral athlete.
