Edith Hejberg
Several Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Fencing championships have direct ties to the Russian military.
Demonstrators took to the streets outside the Olympic Sports Palace in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, protesting the presence of Russian fencers at the 2025 World Fencing Championships.
The backlash stems from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and simmering regional tensions.
Fiery Banners and Bold Slogans Set the Tone
Protesters carried hard-hitting placards that read: “They are fighting in Tbilisi – and killing in Ukraine,” and “Is sport above politics? Tell that to those killed in war.”
The messages underscored anger over what many see as the normalization of Russian military figures through international sport.
Russian Flag Set Ablaze in the Capital
In a dramatic act of defiance, demonstrators burned a Russian flag during the protest.
The gesture symbolized Georgia’s deep-seated resentment toward Russian aggression and served as a public rejection of their presence at the event.
Fireworks Target Hotel Housing Russian Team
Around 4 a.m. on July 27, fireworks were launched outside the hotel where Russian athletes are staying.
Protesters called it a warning, one banner ominously read, “Today there are fireworks – tomorrow there will be Grad missiles,” referencing a type of Russian rocket artillery.
Familiar Faces with Military Ties Stir Outrage
Several Russian and Belarusian athletes at the championships have direct ties to the Russian military.
Notable names include Sofia Velikaya, a Russian army major; Yana Egorian, a lieutenant and military medal recipient; and Olga Nikitina, a non-commissioned officer.
Sport vs. Politics: A Deepening Rift
The event has rekindled the global debate over whether sport can or should remain apolitical.
Georgian protesters argue that allowing Russian athletes with military affiliations to compete undermines the values of peace and international cooperation.
Georgia’s Painful History Fuels the Anger
Georgia’s own war with Russia in 2008 still lingers in the national memory. The occupation of parts of its territory adds a personal layer to the protest, with many viewing the presence of Russian athletes as a continuation of that unresolved conflict.
Ukraine’s Athletes Shine Amid the Tensions
Ukrainian fencer Vlada Kharkova brought pride to her nation by winning gold in the women’s individual epee event.
Her victory offered a symbolic counterpoint to the protests, showing Ukraine’s resilience both on and off the battlefield.
More Ukrainian Success at the Championships
Alongside Kharkova, Ukraine’s Nikita Koshman reached the semifinals in men’s epee, while Alina Komashchuk advanced to the semifinals in the women’s sabre category. Their achievements further galvanized supporters and added emotional weight to the demonstrations.
Championships Continue Under a Cloud
The 2025 World Fencing Championships are scheduled to run until July 30, but the mood remains tense. With the participation of so-called “neutral” Russian and Belarusian athletes drawing widespread criticism, the line between sport and geopolitics grows ever thinner.
