Russian Egorian Wins Women's Sabre Gold at World Championships in Tbilisi as Neutral Athlete Amid Backlash

At the World Fencing Championships in Tbilisi, Russian sabre fencer Yana Egorian, competing under a neutral flag, won gold in the women's individual sabre event by defeating Poland's Zuzanna Cieslar 15-11. Egorian, a two-time Olympic champion, expressed deep satisfaction after a challenging competition and credited her coach and family for their support. The event sparked controversy due to the International Fencing Federation's (FIE) decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals, despite their military affiliations, prompting protests in Tbilisi and criticism from Ukraine’s fencing federation. Over 440 fencers from 40 countries signed an open letter demanding stricter background checks on these athletes, while the FIE defended its stance as promoting peace, fairness, and global sports unity. Additionally, Russian fencer Kirill Borodachev won silver in men’s individual foil under the same neutral status. The championships highlighted ongoing tensions between sport governance and geopolitical issues surrounding Russian participation.