Islamabad, Apr 9, 2025: A Ukrainian karate athlete sparked controversy by refusing to join a group photo with his Russian rival at the Youth Karate League in Guadalajara, Spain.
The incident occurred after the under-45kg medal ceremony, where Ukrainian Yevhenii Melnyk won bronze alongside Spanish athlete Beltran Tamargo Salgado.
Abdullah Albishi from Saudi Arabia secured silver, while Russian athlete Igor Grigorev, competing under a neutral flag, took home the gold.
Trouble arose when the teenage athletes were asked to pose for a group photograph following the medal presentation.
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Melnyk, visibly unwilling, quickly shook his head and walked away from the ceremony.
When an official tried to encourage him to return to the podium, Melnyk firmly waved his hand and pointed at the ground, signaling his disinterest in participating.
The video went viral, drawing widespread attention and praise for the strong stance from Melnyk and personal convictions.
His actions were celebrated by a Ukrainian karate Instagram page, which posted the video with the caption “no photos with terrorists,” a reference to the ongoing conflict.
The protest by the A 13-year-old Ukrainian athlete echoes a broader sentiment among Ukrainian sports figures since the escalation of Russia’s invasion in 2022.
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Prominent tennis players, such as Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina, have also made public statements refusing to shake hands with Russian opponents during competitions.
Though Russian and Belarusian athletes compete under neutral flags, Melnyk’s refusal highlights the war’s deep political divide.
The act has sparked mixed reactions on social media handles, with many supporting his position, while a few criticized the gesture as unsportsmanlike.
As the war between the two counties drags into its third year, the stand of Melnyk has made a bold statement, resonating far beyond the sports world.
