The International Fencing Federation has abolished the mandatory handshake after a match

The International Fencing Federation has abolished the rule on a mandatory handshake after a fight. It is reported by La Repubblica.

Representatives of the organization announced that the traditional handshake will be replaced by a greeting from a distance. This will allow the Ukrainians not to approach the Russians, even if they act under a neutral flag, the federation added.

During the 1/32 finals of the individual world at the World Fencing Championship on July 27, Ukrainian Olga Kharlan refused to shake hands with Russian Anna Smirnova. Previously, without a handshake, the duel was considered incomplete. After that, Harlan was disqualified from the World Cup, because of which there was a threat that she would not get to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.

The International Olympic Committee came out in support of the Ukrainian saber fencer and automatically admitted her to the Olympics. After that, the International Fencing Federation suspended Harlan's disqualification.

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