Russian fencer Pavel Graudyn, 19, has won gold at the World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong, the first major championship since the International Fencing Federation (FIE) lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes on June 2. Graudyn defeated South Korea's Do Gyeong-dong 15-7 in the men's individual sabre final on Tuesday, having earlier stunned France's top-seed Sebastien Patrice in the last 16.
The victory comes after the FIE lifted sanctions imposed in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions previously allowed Russian and Belarusian fencers to participate only as neutrals. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also recently lifted some restrictions, allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in team events and qualify for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Ukraine criticized the IOC's decision as "premature" and "unfounded" amid ongoing conflict. Other governing bodies for sports like swimming, gymnastics, judo, taekwondo, and wrestling have also recently lifted restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes.
This win marks a significant moment for Russian fencing, highlighting the return of Russian athletes to international competitions under their national flag after a period of restriction.






























