International Fencing Federation reinstates disqualified Ukrainian saber fencer Olha Kharlan, La Repubblica reports
Ukrainian saber fencer Olha Kharlan will be able to continue сompeting at the World Fencing Championships as the International Fencing Federation (FIE) has reversed a recent decision on her disqualification, according to a report by the Italian publication La Repubblica.
Kharlan was disqualified after she refused to shake hands with her opponent, Russian Anna Smirnova. At the end of the bout, which Kharlan won 15:7, she extended her saber, suggesting that Smirnova touch blades instead of shaking hands. Smirnova was participating under a neutral flag, as required for Russian and Belarusian athletes at the tournament.
Following the disqualification incident, Ukrainian media highlighted that Smirnova was pictured with her brother, a serviceman dressed in Russian military uniform, on his Instagram account.