Diana Pyatak, a member of the Russian women's team, entered the awards ceremony with the national flag. Moreover, if our athletes win, the Russian anthem will be played. It seems that the sanctions are no longer in effect.
The long-awaited flag
Boxing remained a sport in which one could hope for Russia's participation in international competitions. The main reason is that our Umar Kremlev, who has a huge influence in the organization, remained the boss of the International Boxing Association (IBA). He could not be removed from office even under pressure from the West. It is not surprising that the Russian boxers were not only not suspended, but also allowed to the World Championship with a flag and an anthem. Like in the good old days.
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However, some Western countries did not let up and decided to boycott competitions for both men and women. This was stated, in particular, by the boxing federations of the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Poland, Ukraine and Switzerland. Perhaps only America can be considered a truly serious loss here. Despite the boycotts, no one canceled the world championships.The Women's World Championship in New Delhi started as planned on March 15, and the Russian flag was at the opening ceremony. How long have we been waiting for this. It was carried out by Diana Pyatak, performing in the weight category up to 81 kg. In addition to her, our country in India will be represented by Yulia Chumgalakova (up to 48 kg), Ekaterina Paltseva (up to 50 kg), Anna Aedma (up to 52 kg), Karina Tazabekova (up to 54 kg), Lyudmila Vorontsova (up to 57 kg), Nadezhda Golubeva ( up to 60 kg), Natalia Sychugova (up to 63 kg), Azalia Amineva (up to 66 kg), Anastasia Demurchyan (up to 70 kg), Anastasia Shamonova (up to 75 kg) and Saltanat Medenova (up to 81 kg).
Boxing can start an irreversible process
The head coach of the Russian women's team Albert Mutalibov expressed hope that his wards would be able to take at least four medals at the tournament, and among the main competitors of the Russians he noted the teams of India, China and South Korea. Athletes from Uzbekistan, Japan and Kazakhstan also have chances for awards. In total, 320 athletes from 65 countries will take part in the World Championship.
And this is a very important point. 65 countries without any problems agreed to play at a major tournament together with the Russian team. Surely, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) carefully monitors what is happening at the world boxing championship, because this can serve as an example for other sports federations that are thinking about the return of the Russians. Yes, and for the IOC itself, it is necessary to observe how the Russian admission system works.
The situation is also closely monitored by the International Fencing Federation (FIE), which made a bold decision a week ago and allowed Russian athletes to participate in tournaments under its own auspices. If the 2023 Women's Boxing World Cup goes smoothly and without incident, it will be a precedent that everyone will have to reckon with. It may turn out that the flag and anthem of Russia do not pose any threat to the integrity of the competition.