31-7-2023 (MILAN) The world of sports was taken by storm during the 2023 Fencing World Championship held in Milan, Italy on Friday, July 27. The event quickly turned into a hot topic as a jaw-dropping incident occurred during the women’s saber category’s first round. Elana Karlan, a Ukrainian saber fencer, crossed paths with Anna Semyanova, a Russian athlete who competed as an independent, representing herself since her nation was still embroiled in an ongoing conflict.
The match’s outcome seemed straightforward, with Elana Karlan securing a decisive 15-7 victory. However, it was the aftermath that stirred up a global controversy. As the customary handshake at the end of the match approached, Karlan refused to extend her hand to Semyanova, instead opting to offer her saber for a touch, symbolizing her dissent.
In contrast, Semyanova insisted on the handshake, waiting for more than 50 minutes in a powerful act of protest against the unfolding situation. The incident left the fencing world divided, with opinions pouring in from every corner of the globe.
As a result of the highly contentious display, the International Fencing Federation (FIE) took unprecedented action, revoking Elana Karlan’s right to participate in this category and subsequently disqualifying her from qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, raised his voice in support of their athlete, urging the FIE to reconsider the decision. He lauded Karlan’s sportsmanship and called for her rightful reinstatement into the competition, emphasizing the significance of fair play and the embodiment of true sportsmanship.
“In a match that was fought fairly, the decision to make an issue out of a handshake is what the Russian military genuinely practices on the battlefield,” said Kuleba.
Elana Karlan, a 32-year-old saber fencer from Ukraine, has already competed in the Olympics thrice, earning medals in every appearance (gold in 2008, gold in 2012, and silver and bronze in 2016). Her achievements have made her a celebrated figure in the sport, making the controversy at the World Championship even more prominent.
Ukrainian saber fencer Olga Kharlan was disqualified from the Fencing World Championships in Milan for not shaking hands with Russian saber fencer Anna Smirnova.
The Ukrainians are losing everywhere—on the battlefield and on the world stage.pic.twitter.com/3BbFl8EO4R
— Hassan Mafi (@thatdayin1992) July 27, 2023
