Russia Celebrates First Fencing World Champion Since Return of National Flag and Anthem

Nineteen-year-old Moscow native Pavel Graudyn claimed the gold medal at the World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong, becoming Russia's first world champion since the country's national flag and anthem returned to international competition. The young sabre fencer dominated the tournament, reinforcing his reputation as one of the sport's brightest rising stars. Graudyn sealed the title with a commanding 15-7 victory over South Korea's Do Gyeong-dong in the final. Earlier in the semifinals, he comfortably defeated Romania's Radu Nițu 15-8. The triumph marks the first individual world championship of Graudyn's career, adding to the team bronze medal he won at the 2025 European Fencing Championships. Russia Returns Under National Symbols The championship took place after the International Fencing Federation (FIE) lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes on June 2, following updated recommendations from the International Olympic Committee. With the restrictions removed, Russian competitors once again participated under their national flag and anthem.