Swiss team turns back on Israeli gold medallists at fencing championship

The association called Israel’s victory "an extraordinary achievement that highlights the ability, sportsmanship and determination of our athletes." The spokesperson congratulated coach Igor Ivanov for his "inspiring and professional leadership" and praised the team’s accomplishment as a "great source of Israeli pride."

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar condemned the Swiss team’s conduct, writing on X: “Shame on the Swiss team for their disrespectful behaviour. You don’t know how to lose and behaved in a manner which is an embarrassment to you and the country you’re supposed to represent.”

He congratulated Israel for winning the championship and the Italian team for their bronze-medal finish.

This was not the first time Israel’s fencing team has faced political protests. In May 2023, Iraq’s national fencing team withdrew from a match against Israel at the World Fencing Championship in Istanbul.