The sports community is expressing strong condemnation following the recent actions of Russian athlete Sergey Kiryukhin. Kiryukhin, a practitioner of sambo, has stirred controversy by openly supporting the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. His public endorsement of the invasion has drawn widespread criticism and raised questions about the responsibility of athletes.

Sports has long been a platform for fostering unity, understanding, and fair competition. Kiryukhin's decision to publicly support a military intervention that has caused immense suffering and displacement for countless innocent civilians goes against the principles of sportsmanship and goodwill that athletes are expected to uphold.

The international community has taken notice of Kiryukhin's statements, with many expressing disappointment and disbelief at his lack of sensitivity towards the grave situation caused by the invasion.

Kiryukhin's actions serve as a reminder that athletes are not just representatives of their respective countries but also ambassadors of a global sporting community. As such, they bear a responsibility to use their platform responsibly and ethically, showing solidarity with those affected by conflicts rather than endorsing actions that exacerbate suffering.